Deploys automated Type Approval compliance system

By Juliet Umeh

ABUJA — The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has commenced the implementation of a technology-enabled framework to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of Type Approval requirements for SIM-enabled communications devices in Nigeria.

The Commission said the initiative would enable it to electronically determine the Type Approval compliance status of SIM-enabled devices imported, sold and used in the country.

According to a statement by the Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, issued on Wednesday, the Device Management System, DMS, would serve as the technology platform for the automated compliance framework.

The Commission said the system would improve oversight of Nigeria’s communications device ecosystem, strengthen compliance with technical and regulatory standards, enhance network performance and facilitate the identification of non-compliant devices.

It added that the initiative would also help strengthen consumer confidence in communications devices sold and used in the country.

The NCC cited Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which requires licensed service and facilities providers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers to obtain Type Approval from the Commission before communications equipment can be sold or used in Nigeria.

The Commission said it had commenced the first phase of implementing the automated Type Approval compliance framework in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs, importers and relevant market associations.

It said the first phase would focus on onboarding existing devices currently held in stock and ensuring that devices imported into Nigeria in future were properly registered and authenticated.

According to the Commission, the system would provide a more effective mechanism for identifying non-compliant and illegally imported devices before they enter widespread use.

Speaking on the rollout, NCC Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, said the Type Approval Business Rules issued in August 2024 provided the regulatory framework for establishing a Central Equipment Identity Register, CEIR, for SIM-enabled communications devices in Nigeria.

He said extensive stakeholder engagements and market studies conducted following the issuance of the rules informed the design and deployment of the system.

Ogoh explained that the CEIR would maintain a central registry of the International Mobile Equipment Identity, IMEI, numbers of devices in Nigeria.

“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,” he said.

He added that the system would make it easier to identify illegally imported and non-compliant devices, while stolen devices reported to the authorities could be blocked from operating across Nigerian mobile networks.

Ogoh, however, assured Nigerians that the platform was designed solely to support device identification and Type Approval compliance.

He said the system would maintain device identification information, including IMEI numbers, but would not give the Commission access to the contents of users’ devices or enable it to monitor personal communications.

The NCC said the initiative was part of its broader efforts to improve the integrity, security and efficiency of Nigeria’s communications device ecosystem.