The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stepped up compliance monitoring for SIM-enabled devices in Nigeria, warning manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers that non-compliant devices could be restricted from accessing the country’s mobile telecommunications networks.
In a regulatory notice, the Commission reminded Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Original Device Manufacturers (ODMs), importers, distributors, dealers and retailers of their obligations under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the Type Approval Regulations 2024 and the Type Approval Business Rules 2024.
The NCC said it was strengthening enforcement of existing requirements through technology-enabled verification to ensure that devices imported, distributed and sold in Nigeria meet the applicable regulatory and technical standards.
Under the requirements, all device models intended for importation, assembly, distribution or sale in Nigeria must obtain the Commission’s Type Approval, as provided for under Section 132 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and Regulation 4 of the Type Approval Regulations 2024.
The Commission also directed manufacturers, importers and other 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 distribution and sale.
Distributors, dealers and retailers have equally been advised to review devices already in their inventories to confirm compliance with the applicable type approval and verification requirements, working with their suppliers to resolve any outstanding issues.
The NCC stressed that newly imported devices must satisfy the relevant approval and verification requirements before being introduced into the Nigerian market.
To facilitate implementation, the regulator said it had engaged OEMs, ODMs, importers and relevant industry associations as part of its participatory regulatory approach.
Businesses that have yet to participate in the engagements or require clarification on the compliance process were urged to seek guidance promptly through the Commission’s approved onboarding and support channels.
According to the NCC, the automated Type Approval Compliance process will enhance oversight of devices entering the Nigerian market and improve the identification of irregularities in their importation and distribution.
The initiative will also be implemented in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service to support the reconciliation of import records, ensure compliance with applicable duties and promote fair competition among businesses operating in the communications device market.
The Commission said the framework would help prevent businesses that comply with regulatory requirements from being disadvantaged by those that fail to meet their obligations.
It warned that, upon full implementation, devices that do not satisfy the applicable requirements may be restricted from accessing Nigerian mobile telecommunications networks, in line with the approved enforcement framework.
The NCC reaffirmed its commitment to working with industry stakeholders to promote compliance, protect consumers and sustain a fair and competitive market for communications devices in Nigeria.
Manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers seeking compliance guidance or onboarding assistance can visit www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceCheckerGuide or call 315 for assistance.