Fake and stolen phones pose security risks, sabotage the economy
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Counterfeit and stolen phones will soon be blocked through Device Management System (DMS) activated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) which says it is perfecting plans to disconnect such phones from all networks.
The news comes after the regulator announced last week that only 1,843 phone brands are approved for use in the country, adding 190 to the 1,653 approved in April 2021.
In its latest update, the NCC said phones flagged stolen and phones not approved will be blocked through the International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI), the unique number of each device registered the moment a phone is connected.
The Information Memorandum (IM) on the project shows that DMS will enable the regulator to monitor, manage, and secure the telecom sector and also provide a single control point for comprehensive device management of mobile and network devices.
The NCC said the process has commenced but still needs final approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“A considerable number of counterfeit ICT devices have found their way into global markets, including in Nigeria. The proliferation of these devices is raising concerns about national security, performance, quality of service delivery and potential revenue losses for all stakeholders,” the NCC explained in a document.
“This has led to the call by ITU Member States, particularly those in developing countries to address the issue, especially its negative effects and to study the impact of measures taken to address it.
“Counterfeit mobile devices pose security and health risks to the consumer as well as economic risks to the brand that is being counterfeited.
“In the background of Boko Haram in Nigeria and other terrorist groups using cloned cell phones, many key security concerns relating to counterfeit electronic devices arise.”
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Central remote management
DMS is a central remote management software used to monitor, manage, and secure mobile devices deployed across various mobile service providers and mobile operating systems.
It will create a single window for telecom devices and enable the NCC to identify illegitimate or substandard devices not approved, per reporting by Nairametrics.
PPP arrangement
The NCC intends to use a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the project. The private partner will establish, operate, and manage a DMS on the 197 million phone subscribers in Nigeria.
A DMS will address the proliferation of fake, counterfeit, substandard, and cloned mobile devices.
It will also enable the NCC to collect and integrate IMEI data into its type approval process, so that stolen, illegal, and other blacklisted devices are rendered inoperable.
This is expected to reduce phone theft, protect consumers, and enhance national security.