The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has assured telecommunications subscribers that mobile phones and other SIM-enabled devices already in use before the implementation of its Type Approval Compliance initiative will not be affected by the new regulatory requirements.
The Commission said subscribers who purchased and started using their devices before the implementation do not need to take any action, reassuring Nigerians amid concerns about possible disruptions arising from the device-checking system.
The Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity at the NCC, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, gave the assurance during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, where he addressed questions from journalists about the implementation and its implications for consumers and businesses.
Ogoh explained that the Commission had taken steps to capture existing subscribers and devices before the device checker became fully operational.
According to him, the NCC had already registered approximately 233 million subscribers and 131 million devices across Nigeria before the system became fully operational.
“As at the time the device checker came back and actually became fully operational, we had already registered about 233 million subscribers and about 131 million devices across the country,” he said.
He stressed that the new compliance requirements were primarily directed at devices being purchased and introduced into the Nigerian market, rather than phones already in use.
“The subscriber does not have to do anything. Those that bought the devices before now and have been using them do not need to do anything,” Ogoh added.
The NCC said the initiative was designed to ensure that communications devices imported, sold and used in Nigeria comply with applicable technical and regulatory standards.
The Commission expects the measure to strengthen consumer protection, improve network integrity and encourage the use of approved telecommunications equipment across the country.
NCC Explains Device Registration Process for Businesses
The NCC has also urged businesses experiencing difficulties complying with the new requirements to contact the Commission through its short code, 315, for assistance.
Ogoh said the Commission had established an online registration process to simplify compliance, allowing businesses to register their operations and upload information about their existing stocks of devices.
He explained that businesses seeking to register must possess the appropriate documentation, including business name registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) or registration as a limited liability company.
According to the director, the Commission deliberately adopted a digital process to eliminate unnecessary manual procedures and make compliance easier for businesses.
He encouraged affected operators to call 315 for guidance and consult the frequently asked questions section on the NCC’s official website for additional information.
Ogoh maintained that the process should be straightforward for businesses with the necessary documentation, adding that the Commission was prepared to assist operators facing challenges.
NCC Addresses Concerns About Wrongful Blocking of Phones
The Commission also dismissed concerns that the device checker could lead to the wrongful blocking of genuine mobile phones.
Ogoh insisted that the system was designed to identify legitimate devices and said genuine phones should not be wrongly blocked under the implementation.
“There is no scenario of wrongful blocking because every device that is genuine, we are able to tell that the device is genuine,” he said.
He, however, assured subscribers that the Commission would provide assistance if any issues arose during the implementation.
Consumers experiencing difficulties were advised to contact the NCC through its short code, 315, for support.
The assurance comes as the Commission continues efforts to improve public understanding of the Type Approval Compliance initiative and its implications for mobile device users and businesses operating in Nigeria’s telecommunications market.
NCC Advises Nigerians to Check IMEI Before Buying Phones
As part of efforts to protect consumers, the NCC has advised Nigerians to verify the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number of a device before purchasing it.
Ogoh explained that buyers could find the IMEI number printed on a phone’s packaging without opening the box or switching on the device.
He noted that phones with multiple IMEI numbers would have the corresponding numbers displayed on their packaging.
The director encouraged prospective buyers to use the Commission’s device-checking process to establish a phone’s status before completing a purchase.
The advice is intended to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and reduce the risk of acquiring devices that do not meet applicable regulatory requirements.
The Commission’s broader objective is to promote the use of approved communications equipment while safeguarding consumers and supporting the integrity of telecommunications networks.
NCC Seeks Media Support for Public Awareness
In her opening remarks, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Nneka Okoha, called on journalists to support public education on the new regulatory requirements.
Okoha stressed that the rules needed to be communicated in simple, accessible language to ensure that ordinary Nigerians understood the purpose of the initiative and their responsibilities.
“Whatever beautiful regulation that might come out of this Commission, if you don’t interpret it, if you don’t take it to the grassroots, all our efforts will be mocked,” she said.
She commended the media for its role in informing the public and explained that the briefing was organised to improve understanding of the device checker, Type Approval and the Commission’s efforts to promote safer devices, better network quality and stronger consumer protection.
Okoha described telecommunications as a major pillar of Nigeria’s digital economy and reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to implementing the compliance initiative without unnecessary disruption to subscribers and businesses.
She added that clear communication with consumers and industry stakeholders would remain essential as implementation continued.
The Commission’s assurances are intended to clarify the distinction between devices already in use and those entering the Nigerian market, while encouraging consumers and businesses to use the available verification and support channels.
For Nigerians planning to buy new mobile phones, the NCC’s advice is to check the device’s IMEI through the Commission’s device-checking process before making payment. Existing users who acquired and were already using their devices before the implementation, meanwhile, have been told that they do not need to take any action.