The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it has developed an application to help authorised stakeholders verify devices and curb the circulation of counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised phones in Nigeria.
Tunji Jimoh, zonal controller of the commission’s Lagos
office, disclosed this on Thursday at a media briefing at the NCC zonal office.
He represented Aminu Maida, the agency’s executive
vice-chairman of the commission.
Jimoh said the application allows authorised stakeholders to
scan device international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) numbers and upload
information directly to the commission’s device checker platform.
“As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, it is
important that devices connected to our networks comply with established
technical and regulatory standards,” he said.
“The Device Checker Platform supports the verification of
the Type Approval status of SIM-enabled devices and helps address the
circulation of non-compliant, counterfeit, cloned, and unauthorised devices in
the market.”
He said compliance with established technical and regulatory
standards is important as Nigeria’s digital economy expands.
Jimoh said the commission had streamlined its licensing and
regularisation process, enabling a significant number of device dealers in Kano
to obtain licences.
He added that the NCC had conducted sensitisation
engagements with importers and other industry participants in Lagos and other
parts of the country to raise awareness of type approval requirements and
obligations under the Device Checker framework.
“Together, these initiatives have strengthened
accountability across the device supply chain and improved compliance with
regulatory requirements,” he said.
Jimoh said consumers could verify a device’s approval status
before purchase through the “Check Your Device” portal on the commission’s
website by entering their IMEI number.
‘PLATFORM NOT A SURVEILLANCE TOOL’
Jimoh said the platform does not access users’ private
information.
“I would also like to emphasise that the Device Checker
Platform is not a surveillance tool. It does not access personal data,
messages, photographs, contacts, financial information, or any other private
content stored on a device,” he said.
“Its purpose is limited to device identification and
regulatory compliance verification.”
He said manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers
could consult the ‘type approval and device verification guide on the
commission’s website for guidance on their responsibilities under the
framework.
Organisations seeking equipment type approval could also
access application requirements and procedures through the type approval
section of the website.
Jimoh urged consumers to verify devices before purchase and
patronise reputable and licensed dealers.
The NCC had engaged stakeholders on plans to introduce a
device management system (DMS) for the registration of all SIM-enabled devices
in Nigeria to curb theft and counterfeiting.
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