Abuja:The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has advised Nigerians to confirm the approval status of SIM card-enabled devices before purchasing them.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Edoyemi Ogoh, Director of Technical Services and Network Integrity at the NCC, emphasized this at a media roundtable in Abuja. He stated that consumers should inquire if a device is NCC-approved and verify its status independently by calling 315, a toll-free number that provides necessary assistance.
The NCC has begun implementing an enhanced type approval compliance framework for SIM-enabled communication devices. This initiative aims to improve network quality and ensure that devices sold and used in Nigeria adhere to technical and regulatory standards. This approach is part of the NCC’s responsibility under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, to protect telecommunications network integrity and boost consumer confidence.
Ogoh highlighted the critical role of the telecommunications sector in Nigeria’s economic and social development, with millions relying on communication devices for various needs. He noted that network integrity depends not only on infrastructure but also on the quality and compliance of connected devices.
The framework facilitates electronic verification of devices’ type approval status to enhance regulatory oversight and identify non-compliant devices. It also promotes fair competition among legitimate businesses and aims to improve network performance and reliability.
The NCC has conducted stakeholder engagements, market studies, and consultations with various parties, including the Nigeria Customs Service, to ensure compliance. The framework focuses on device identification and regulatory compliance, not surveillance, using device identification information for regulatory purposes without accessing users’ financial or personal data.
Nnenna Ukoha, Director of the Public Affairs Department at the NCC, noted that device checking and type approval are crucial for ensuring device safety, enhanced network quality, and consumer protection. This initiative is seen as a step towards securing Nigeria’s digital environment and supporting the country’s digital economy ambitions.