NCC Tightens Device Approval Rules, Warns Phone Dealers and Importers

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned manufacturers, importers, distributors and sellers of SIM-enabled devices to comply with its type approval and device verification requirements or risk losing access to the country's mobile telecommunications networks.

The warning was contained in a statement issued by the commission's Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha. The NCC said it would strengthen enforcement of existing regulations to ensure that communication devices entering the Nigerian market meet required standards.

Type approval is mandatory

The NCC reminded Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Original Device Manufacturers (ODMs), importers, distributors, dealers and retailers of their legal obligations under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the Type Approval Regulations 2024 and the Type Approval Business Rules 2024.

It said every device model intended for importation, assembly, distribution or sale in Nigeria must obtain the necessary NCC Type Approval. The requirement is backed by Section 132 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and Regulation 4 of the Type Approval Regulations 2024.

Manufacturers and responsible suppliers must submit the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) details of individual devices through the NCC's approved compliance process for verification before the devices are sold or distributed.

Dealers told to check stock

The regulator urged dealers and retailers to examine devices already in their inventory to establish whether they meet the required approval and verification standards. It advised businesses to work with their suppliers to resolve outstanding compliance issues.

The NCC said newly imported devices must fulfil all applicable requirements before they are introduced into the Nigerian market. The automated Type Approval Compliance process will improve its ability to monitor devices entering the country and detect irregularities in importation and distribution.

Businesses that fail to meet the requirements could face restrictions on their devices' access to Nigerian mobile telecommunications networks.

Customs partnership, market impact

The NCC said the initiative would be implemented with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The partnership is expected to support the reconciliation of import records, ensure compliance with applicable duties and promote fair competition among businesses in the communications device market.

The commission said the move would strengthen enforcement of existing regulations and improve transparency and accountability across the supply chain for communication devices in Nigeria.

For consumers, the rule raises the risk of buying unapproved devices that may lose network access. For dealers and importers, stock checks and supplier confirmation become part of procurement before sale.