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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has assured Nigerians that its enhanced Type Approval Compliance framework for SIM-enabled devices will not be used for surveillance or grant the regulator access to users’ private messages, photographs, contacts, financial information or other personal data.
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The Commission said the initiative was designed to identify fake, cloned and non-compliant communications devices, strengthen regulatory oversight and protect consumers against equipment that could undermine telecommunications network performance.
The NCC Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, gave the assurance at a news conference at the Commission’s Head Office Annex in Mbora, Abuja.
Ogoh explained that the framework would enable the electronic verification of the Type Approval status of SIM-enabled devices, ensuring that communications equipment imported, sold and used in Nigeria meets established technical standards.
He stressed that the initiative was strictly regulatory and would not enable the Commission to monitor private communications or access personal information stored on users’ devices.
According to him, the framework would retain only device identification information, including the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, for regulatory compliance purposes.
“The compliance framework is designed solely to support device identification and Type Approval compliance,” he said, reassuring consumers that their privacy would remain protected under applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
Ogoh noted that the integrity of the telecommunications industry depended not only on network infrastructure but also on the quality, safety and compliance of devices connected to telecommunications networks.
He explained that Type Approval was a statutory requirement under Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which requires relevant manufacturers, suppliers and service providers to obtain the Commission’s approval for communications equipment before it is sold or used in Nigeria.
He said enforcing the requirement would improve device compatibility with telecommunications infrastructure, enhance service quality, protect consumers and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy.
The director disclosed that the Commission had conducted stakeholder engagements, market studies and consultations across the device value chain following the issuance of its Type Approval Business Rules in August 2024.
He said the consultations involved original equipment manufacturers, importers, dealers, telecommunications service providers, government agencies and industry associations, whose contributions helped shape the implementation strategy.
According to him, the NCC had also collaborated with the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that devices already in stock were properly onboarded, while newly imported equipment underwent verification and authentication.
He explained that the measures would provide a more effective mechanism for identifying non-compliant devices and preventing such equipment from connecting to Nigerian telecommunications networks.
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Ogoh urged consumers to verify the approval status of SIM-enabled devices before purchasing them, warning that non-compliant equipment could create network performance challenges and complicate regulatory oversight.
“When buying a phone, tablet, modem, POS terminal or any device that uses a SIM, before you pay, we encourage consumers to ask the seller if the device is NCC Type Approved,” he advised.
He also called on the media to support public awareness through accurate and balanced reporting, noting that consumer understanding was critical to the successful implementation of the framework.
Ogoh reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency, stakeholder collaboration and sustained public sensitization, describing the initiative as an important step towards improving regulatory effectiveness, protecting consumers and building a safer and more reliable telecommunications environment in Nigeria.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
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