The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers of SIM-enabled devices to comply with its type approval and device verification requirements or risk having non-compliant devices restricted from accessing Nigerian mobile telecommunications networks.
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers of SIM-enabled devices to comply with its type approval and device verification requirements or risk having non-compliant devices restricted from accessing Nigerian mobile telecommunications networks.
The Commission said it was strengthening the monitoring and enforcement of existing regulations through technology-enabled verification to ensure that devices imported, sold and used in Nigeria meet applicable standards.
The NCC made The disclosure in a notice signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, in which it reminded Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Original Device Manufacturers (ODMs), importers, distributors, dealers and retailers of their statutory obligations under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the Type Approval Regulations 2024 and the Type Approval Business Rules 2024.
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According to the Commission, all device models intended for importation, assembly, distribution or sale in Nigeria must obtain the required NCC Type Approval, as stipulated in Section 132 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and Regulation 4 of the Type Approval Regulations 2024.
It also directed manufacturers and responsible suppliers to ensure that the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) information of individual devices is submitted through the approved compliance process for verification before sale and distribution.
The NCC urged dealers and retailers to review devices already in their stock to confirm compliance with the applicable approval and verification requirements, while working with suppliers to resolve any outstanding issues.
It further stressed that newly imported devices must satisfy the relevant requirements before being introduced into the Nigerian market.
The Commission said the automated Type Approval Compliance process would strengthen oversight of devices entering the country and improve its capacity to identify irregularities in their importation and distribution.
The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service to support the reconciliation of import records, compliance with applicable duties and fair competition among businesses operating in the communications device market, NCC added.
According to the Commission, the framework is also intended to prevent businesses that comply with regulatory obligations from being disadvantaged by those that fail to meet the requirements.
The NCC said devices that do not satisfy the applicable rules may be restricted from accessing Nigerian mobile telecommunications networks upon full implementation of the approved enforcement framework.
The Commission encouraged businesses that had not participated in its stakeholder engagements, or were uncertain about the compliance process, to seek guidance through its approved onboarding and support channels.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working with industry stakeholders to facilitate compliance, protect consumers and promote a fair and sustainable market for communications devices.
