NCC strengthens Type Approval Compliance for SIM-enabled devices in Nigeria

In furtherance of its mandate to ensure that communications devices imported, sold and used in Nigeria meet applicable technical and regulatory standards, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is strengthening the monitoring and enforcement of its Type Approval requirements through a technology enabled framework.

The initiative is intended to make Type Approval compliance more efficient, consistent, and effective by enabling the Commission to electronically determine Type Approval compliance of SIM enabled devices.

The Device Management System (DMS) will serve as the technology platform supporting this automated compliance framework, allowing the commission to improve oversight of the device ecosystem.

Under Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, licensed service and facilities providers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers are required to obtain Type Approval from the Commission before communications equipment may be sold or used in Nigeria.

The implementation of the DMS supports the Commission’s efforts to strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s communications device ecosystem by improving compliance with applicable technical and regulatory standards, enhancing network performance, facilitating the identification of non-compliant devices, and strengthening consumer confidence in devices sold and used in Nigeria.

The Commission has commenced the first phase of implementing the automated Type Approval compliance framework and is working closely with critical stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), importers and relevant market associations. This phase focuses on onboarding existing devices currently held in stock and ensuring that devices imported into the country, going forward, are appropriately registered and authenticated, providing the Commission with a more effective mechanism for identifying non-compliant and illegally imported devices before they enter widespread use

Speaking on the rollout of the framework, the NCC’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, explained that the Type Approval Business Rules issued in August 2024 provided the regulatory framework for the establishment of a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) that maintains a registry of SIM-enabled communications devices in Nigeria.

“Following the issuance of the Rules, the Commission commenced extensive stakeholder engagements and market studies, which informed the eventual design and deployment of the system.

“By establishing a central registry of the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of devices in Nigeria, the Commission will be better positioned to ensure effective and efficient compliance with its Type Approval requirements and to ensure that devices imported into, sold and used in Nigeria meet the applicable standards.

“With the deployment of this system, all SIM-enabled communications devices brought into the country must be registered before they are sold. Devices that are not duly registered will not be permitted to operate on Nigerian networks.

“Beyond improving Type Approval compliance, the technology will help address some of the wider challenges associated with the device market. Illegally imported and non-compliant devices will be easier to identify, while devices reported stolen can be blocked from use across Nigerian mobile networks.

Engr. Ogoh further assured the public that the platform is designed solely to support device identification and Type Approval compliance. It maintains device identification information, including IMEI numbers, and does not provide the Commission with access to the content of users’ devices, nor does it enable the Commission to monitor personal communications.