Oct 15, 2026

NCC Activates Nationwide Type Approval to Block Fake Phones

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in technology

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The Nigerian Communications Commission has officially activated an enhanced electronic verification system nationwide, marking a major technological push to stop counterfeit, cloned, and substandard mobile devices from accessing local networks.

Under the new Type Approval Compliance framework, every SIM-enabled device—including smartphones, feature phones, cellular tablets, modems, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, and eligible Internet of Things gadgets—must meet strict technical and regulatory standards before it can operate on Nigerian telecommunications networks.

The system, powered by the Device Management System and a Central Equipment Identity Register that tracks IMEI numbers, enables the regulator to electronically confirm compliance.

Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, explained that the initiative builds on the Type Approval Business Rules issued in August 2024 and took effect from around 7 October 2026.

Devices already connected to networks before that date—about 231 million of them—have been automatically verified, so existing users need to take no further action.

Fresh imports and devices still in stock are being onboarded and authenticated in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, original equipment manufacturers, importers, and market associations.

“This will provide a more effective mechanism for identifying non-compliant, cloned, or fake devices and prevent them from connecting to our networks,” Ogoh said. He stressed that the framework is purely a regulatory compliance tool.

It stores only device identification data such as IMEI numbers and gives the Commission no access to personal communications, photos, messages, contacts or other private information on users’ devices.

Consumers are being urged to verify devices before purchase. They can dial *315# on their phones or visit the NCC Device Checker portal on the Commission’s website to confirm Type Approval status.

An unsuccessful check does not automatically mean a phone is counterfeit, but buyers are advised to confirm with the seller or the regulator.

The crackdown aims to improve network performance, protect consumers from substandard equipment that can interfere with shared cell sites, and strengthen overall confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy. Unregistered or non-compliant devices risk being denied network access.

The Nigerian Communications Commission says it remains focused on safeguarding network integrity while making the market safer and more transparent for every Nigerian who relies on a mobile connection.