The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has warned manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers of SIM-enabled devices that products without the required type approval and device verification could be restricted from accessing telecommunications networks in Nigeria.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, said the enforcement measure would be implemented under its automated Type Approval Compliance process. She urged industry stakeholders to ensure that devices imported, distributed or sold in the country meet applicable regulatory requirements.
Ukoha disclosed this in a notice on Monday, reminding stakeholders of their statutory obligations under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the Type Approval Regulations 2024 and the Type Approval Business Rules 2024.
She said the Commission was strengthening the monitoring and enforcement of existing regulations through technology-enabled verification to ensure that communications devices entering the Nigerian market meet the required standards.
According to her, all device models intended for importation, assembly, distribution or sale in Nigeria must obtain the required NCC type approval.
She cited Section 132 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and Regulation 4 of the Type Approval Regulations 2024 as the legal basis for the requirement.
The NCC director also said original equipment manufacturers, original device manufacturers, importers and other responsible suppliers must submit the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) information of individual devices through the approved compliance process for verification before distribution and sale.
She urged distributors, dealers and retailers to verify the compliance status of devices already in their stock and work with their suppliers to resolve any outstanding issues.
Ukoha further stressed that newly imported devices must satisfy the relevant type approval and verification requirements before being introduced into the Nigerian market.
The Commission said it had engaged extensively with manufacturers, importers and relevant industry associations as part of its participatory regulatory approach.
It encouraged businesses that had yet to participate in the engagements or remained uncertain about the compliance process to seek guidance through its approved onboarding and support channels.
According to the NCC, the automated Type Approval Compliance process is designed to strengthen regulatory oversight of devices entering Nigeria and improve the identification of irregularities in their importation and distribution.
The Commission added that the initiative, being implemented in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, would support the reconciliation of import records, compliance with applicable duties and fair competition among businesses.
It said the measure would also help prevent compliant businesses from being disadvantaged by competitors who fail to meet their regulatory obligations.
The NCC warned that, upon full implementation, devices that do not meet the applicable requirements could be restricted from accessing Nigerian mobile telecommunications networks in line with the approved enforcement framework.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to working with industry stakeholders to facilitate compliance, protect consumers and promote a fair and sustainable market for communications devices in Nigeria.
Manufacturers, importers and other stakeholders seeking compliance guidance and onboarding assistance were directed to visit www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceCheckerGuide or call 315 for assistance.
