The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged Nigerians to verify mobile phones before purchase as it steps up efforts to curb counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised devices in the country.
The regulator said its Device Checker Platform allows consumers to verify the type-approval status of phones and other SIM-enabled devices, while a separate application enables authorised industry stakeholders to scan device identification numbers and submit information to the commission.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos on Thursday, the Director of the NCC Lagos Zonal Office, Tunji Jimoh, said the initiative was designed to protect consumers and ensure devices connected to Nigerian telecommunications networks meet regulatory standards.
“As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, it is important that devices connected to our networks comply with established technical and regulatory standards,” Jimoh said.
Consumers can access the platform through the commission’s website at www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker.
The NCC explained that an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, usually comprising 15 digits, identifies a mobile device and can be displayed by dialling *#06# on a handset.
Checking the number against the commission’s records allows buyers to verify available device information before completing a purchase.
The initiative forms part of the NCC’s wider device management framework, which supports electronic verification and the maintenance of a central register of device identifiers.
Under Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, relevant manufacturers, suppliers and service providers are required to obtain the necessary type approval before communications equipment can be sold or used in Nigeria.
The commission said it had also taken steps to streamline licensing and regularise device dealers in Kano State, alongside sensitisation programmes for importers and other industry participants in Lagos and elsewhere.
It has published a Type Approval and Device Verification Guide for manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers to help them comply with the applicable requirements.
The NCC clarified that type approval and device verification serve different purposes. While type approval determines whether an equipment model meets the regulator’s technical requirements, device verification checks information associated with an individual handset.
The commission added that its wider framework supports efforts to identify illegally imported and non-compliant equipment and can facilitate the blocking of phones reported stolen across Nigerian mobile networks.
Addressing privacy concerns, Jimoh said the platform was not designed to monitor users or access personal information stored on their devices.
“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.
He added that the platform was restricted to device identification and regulatory compliance verification.
The commission advised consumers to purchase phones from reputable and licensed dealers and verify device information before paying. It also urged manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers to familiarise themselves with the verification guide and comply with type-approval requirements.
Consumers who need assistance can contact the NCC through its toll-free number, 315.
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