The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has assured telecommunications subscribers that mobile phones and other SIM-enabled devices already in use before the commencement of its Type Approval Compliance implementation will not be affected by the new regulatory measure.
The Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity at the Commission, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, gave the assurance while responding to questions from journalists during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ogoh explained that the Commission had taken steps to ensure that existing devices were captured before the device checker became fully operational, adding that subscribers who had been using their devices before the implementation would not be required to take any action.
According to him, the Commission had already registered approximately 233 million subscribers and about 131 million devices across the country before the system became fully operational.
“As at the time the device checker came back and actually became fully operational, we had already registered about 233 million subscribers and about 131 million devices across the country,” he said.
He added that the compliance requirements were primarily intended to address devices being purchased and introduced into the Nigerian market rather than phones already in use.
“The subscriber does not have to do anything. Those that bought the devices before now and have been using them do not need to do anything,” Ogoh said.
The NCC said the implementation was designed to ensure that communications devices imported, sold and used in Nigeria meet applicable technical and regulatory standards.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen consumer protection, improve network integrity and promote the use of approved communications equipment across the country.
Addressing concerns about businesses willing to comply with the new requirements but facing difficulties, Ogoh urged affected operators to contact the Commission through its short code, 315, for assistance.
He said the NCC had established an online process to make it easier for businesses to register their operations and upload information about their existing stock of devices.
According to him, businesses are expected to have the appropriate registration documents, such as business name registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) or registration as a limited liability company.
Ogoh explained that the Commission had deliberately made the registration process digital to eliminate unnecessary manual procedures and make compliance easier for businesses.
He said businesses experiencing challenges could call 315 for guidance and consult the frequently asked questions section on the Commission’s website for further information.
The director stressed that the process was designed to be straightforward for businesses with the necessary documentation.
NCC Addresses Concerns Over Wrongful Blocking
Ogoh also dismissed concerns that the implementation could lead to the wrongful blocking of genuine mobile devices, insisting that the Commission’s system was designed to identify legitimate devices.
He said there was no expected scenario in which a genuine device would be wrongly blocked, while assuring subscribers that the Commission would provide assistance if any issue arose.
“There is no scenario of wrongful blocking because every device that is genuine, we are able to tell that the device is genuine,” he said.
He added that, in the unlikely event of a problem, affected subscribers could contact the Commission through its short code, 315, for assistance.
The NCC further advised Nigerians to check the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number of a device before purchasing it to determine whether it complies with the applicable requirements.
Ogoh explained that consumers could find the IMEI number printed on a phone’s packaging without opening the box or switching on the device.
He noted that phones with multiple IMEI numbers would have the respective numbers indicated on their packaging.
The director encouraged prospective buyers to use the Commission’s device-checking process to verify a phone’s status before completing a purchase.
In her opening address, the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Nneka Okoha, sought media support for public awareness, urging journalists to communicate the new regulatory requirements in simple language that ordinary Nigerians could understand.
She said effective public education was necessary to ensure that regulatory policies achieved their intended objectives.
“Whatever beautiful regulation that might come out of this Commission, if you don’t interpret it, if you don’t take it to the grassroots, all our efforts will be mocked,” she said.
She further commended the media for its role in educating the public, explaining that the briefing was organised to improve understanding of the device checker, Type Approval and the Commission’s efforts to promote safer devices, better network quality and stronger consumer protection.
She described telecommunications as a major pillar of Nigeria’s digital economy and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring the smooth implementation of the compliance initiative without unnecessary disruptions to subscribers and businesses.
Okoha added that clear communication with consumers and industry stakeholders remained important as implementation continued, particularly in helping Nigerians understand their responsibilities and the benefits of using approved communications devices.