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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is strengthening the monitoring and enforcement of its Type Approval requirements for SIM-enabled communications devices through a technology-enabled compliance framework.
The initiative is designed to make Type Approval enforcement more efficient and consistent by enabling the Commission to electronically determine whether SIM-enabled devices meet the required technical and regulatory standards before they are allowed to operate on Nigerian networks.
The Device Management System (DMS) will provide the technology platform for the automated compliance framework, giving the NCC greater oversight of the communications device ecosystem.
NCC moves to automate Type Approval compliance
Under Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, licensed service and facilities providers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers are required to obtain Type Approval from the Commission before communications equipment can be sold or used in Nigeria.
The deployment of the DMS is expected to strengthen compliance with these requirements while improving the integrity of Nigeria’s communications device market.
The system will also support efforts to improve network performance, identify non-compliant devices and strengthen consumer confidence in communications equipment sold and used across the country.
DMS to help identify non-compliant devices
The NCC has commenced the first phase of implementing the automated Type Approval compliance framework and is working with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), importers and relevant market associations.
The initial phase focuses on onboarding existing devices held in stock while ensuring that devices imported into Nigeria going forward are properly registered and authenticated.
According to the Commission, this will provide a more effective mechanism for identifying non-compliant and illegally imported devices before they become widely used on Nigerian networks.
The approach is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight across the device supply chain by linking device identification with Type Approval compliance.
Central registry to track SIM-enabled devices
Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity at the NCC, said the Type Approval Business Rules issued in August 2024 established the regulatory basis for a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) containing information on SIM-enabled communications devices in Nigeria.
He said extensive stakeholder engagements and market studies were conducted following the issuance of the rules to inform the design and deployment of the system.
“Following the issuance of the Rules, the Commission commenced extensive stakeholder engagements and market studies, which informed the eventual design and deployment of the system.”
Ogoh said the establishment of a central registry containing the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of devices would strengthen the NCC’s ability to enforce Type Approval requirements.
“By establishing a central registry of the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of devices in Nigeria, the Commission will be better positioned to ensure effective and efficient compliance with its Type Approval requirements and to ensure that devices imported into, sold and used in Nigeria meet the applicable standards.”
He added that all SIM-enabled communications devices brought into the country would have to be registered before they could be sold.
“With the deployment of this system, all SIM-enabled communications devices brought into the country must be registered before they are sold. Devices that are not duly registered will not be permitted to operate on Nigerian networks.”
NCC links device compliance to consumer protection
Beyond Type Approval enforcement, the Commission said the technology would help address wider challenges within Nigeria’s communications device market.
Ogoh noted that illegally imported and non-compliant devices would become easier to identify through the system, while devices reported stolen could also be blocked from operating across Nigerian mobile networks.
“Beyond improving Type Approval compliance, the technology will help address some of the wider challenges associated with the device market. Illegally imported and non-compliant devices will be easier to identify, while devices reported stolen can be blocked from use across Nigerian mobile networks.”
The framework therefore extends beyond regulatory certification to support device authentication, network integrity and consumer protection.
NCC clarifies privacy safeguards
The Commission also sought to reassure users that the DMS is focused on device identification and regulatory compliance rather than monitoring personal communications.
Ogoh said the platform would maintain device identification information, including IMEI numbers, but would not give the NCC access to the contents of users’ devices.
The system, he added, would not enable the Commission to monitor personal communications, reinforcing the distinction between device-level regulatory oversight and access to users’ private communications.
The rollout marks a broader shift towards technology-enabled regulatory enforcement in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, with the NCC using automated systems to improve compliance, strengthen market oversight and ensure that devices operating on Nigerian networks meet established standards.
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