NCC releases phone verification codes as 231 million devices are registered

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says about 231 million phones and other telecommunications devices are already registered on Nigerian networks. The commission has also released verification steps, including the *315# code, for Nigerians to confirm whether new or second-hand phones meet regulatory standards.

The NCC said existing devices were automatically captured, so current users do not need to do fresh registration or worry about immediate disconnection.

No fresh registration for existing devices

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, the NCC's Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, said devices already operating on Nigerian networks had been captured.

“We had already registered about 231 million devices across the country. And those devices, basically, you don't have to do anything. The subscriber does not have to do anything,” Ogoh said.

The NCC said enforcement will focus mainly on newly introduced devices that fail Nigeria's technical and regulatory requirements. It is working with the Nigeria Customs Service, manufacturers, importers and market associations to strengthen checks on telecom devices entering Nigeria.

The framework covers smartphones, feature phones, cellular tablets, modems, SIM-enabled laptops and Point of Sale (POS) terminals. Regulators will also be able to trace device importers, shipment dates and quantities, making it easier to identify suspicious products.

How to verify a phone

The NCC encouraged Nigerians buying new or second-hand phones to verify the device before payment. It listed three steps:

USSD code: Dial *315# and follow the instructions.

Online verification: Visit the NCC Device Checker portal.

IMEI identification: Dial *#06# to retrieve the phone's unique 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity number.

Consumers should check approval status, especially when buying unusually cheap devices or buying from unfamiliar vendors. Anyone who discovers a purchased device is unverified should contact the seller for clarification or replacement. Unresolved complaints can be escalated through the NCC's toll-free consumer helpline, 315.

Enforcement and privacy

The NCC warned that counterfeit and poorly manufactured devices could undermine network performance, affecting not only their owners but other subscribers. The initiative builds on existing Type Approval requirements, supported by the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and regulations introduced in August 2024.

On privacy, the commission said the verification framework uses device identification information rather than personal content. It said the system does not grant access to subscribers' photographs, messages or stored files. It focuses on identifying devices, confirming regulatory compliance and strengthening accountability across Nigeria's telecommunications market.

For Nigerian phone buyers, the practical takeaway is to verify before paying, especially for cheap devices or purchases from unfamiliar vendors. Existing users can keep using their devices without fresh registration.