NCC introduces Device Checker to help Nigerians avoid fake phones
Deputy Director, Team Lead, Regulatory Services, Lagos Zonal Office, NCC, Mrs Tolulase Omodele-Rufai; Assistant Director, Head, Wireless Network Technical Standards & Network Integrity Department, Engr. Kings Adeyemi; Director / Zonal Controller, Lagos Zonal Office, Mr Tunji Jimoh and Assistant Director, Team Lead, Support Services, Mrs Temitope Alli-Balogun, at a press briefing on the Device Checker platform, yesterday on Thursday
Stanley Ihedigbo
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged Nigerians to verify the regulatory status of mobile devices before purchasing them, as part of efforts to curb the circulation of counterfeit, cloned, unauthorised and non-compliant devices in the country.
Speaking at a press briefing on the launch of the device checker, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said its Device Checker Platform was designed to strengthen compliance with equipment Type Approval requirements, protect consumers and enhance the integrity of communications devices operating on Nigerian telecommunications networks.
The NCC boss, represented by the Zonal Controller of the NCC Zonal Office, Mr. Tunji Jimoh, disclosed that development is the Commission’s technical standards and network integrity initiatives.
According to him, the platform enables consumers to confirm the Type Approval status of SIM-enabled devices before purchase, helping them make informed decisions and avoid potentially non-compliant products.
He explained that, as Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, ensuring that devices connected to telecommunications networks meet established technical and regulatory standards has become increasingly important.
He noted that the Device Checker initiative was also intended to promote accountability across the device supply chain and improve compliance among manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers.
The Commission Executive Vice Chairman disclosed that it had recorded progress in implementing the initiative, including streamlining licensing and regularisation processes that enabled a significant number of device dealers in Kano State to obtain licences.
He added that stakeholder sensitisation engagements had also been conducted with importers and other industry participants in Lagos and other parts of the country to deepen awareness of Type Approval requirements and obligations under the Device Checker framework.
To simplify compliance, he said it had developed a user-friendly Device Checker application that allows authorised stakeholders to scan International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and upload relevant device information directly to the platform.
He further said that the application was expected to improve efficiency and make compliance easier for industry participants.
“Consumers can verify their devices through the Commission’s **Check Your Device portal at www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker** by entering the device’s IMEI number”, he stated.
NCC boss also directed manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers to consult the Type Approval and Device Verification Guide at www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceCheckerGuide for information on their responsibilities under the framework.
Organisations seeking Equipment Type Approval can access the application requirements and procedures through the Type Approval section of the NCC website at www.ncc.gov.ng/industry/numbering-type-approval/type-approval.
He further clarified that the Device Checker Platform was not a surveillance tool and did not access personal data, messages, photographs, contacts, financial information or other private content stored on users’ devices.
He further added that the platform’s function was limited to device identification and regulatory compliance verification.
He urged Nigerians to verify devices before purchase, patronise reputable and licensed dealers, and make use of the Commission’s online resources and consumer support channels.
He also called on manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers to familiarise themselves with the Type Approval and Device Verification Guide and ensure full compliance with the Commission’s regulatory requirements.
Maida reaffirmed its commitment to consumer protection, fair competition, network integrity and the development of a trusted communications ecosystem in Nigeria.
He also appealed to the media to sustain public education and awareness of the Device Checker initiative.
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