By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged Nigerians to check the regulatory approval status of mobile phones and other telecommunications devices before buying them, warning that the use of unapproved equipment could affect network performance and undermine regulatory compliance.
The Commission’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity Department, Edoyemi Ogoh, gave the advice during a media engagement on the NCC’s Device Checker and Type Approval initiative.
Ogoh urged consumers to verify the approval status of mobile phones, tablets, modems, Point of Sale (POS) terminals and other SIM-enabled devices with vendors and through the Commission’s verification platform before completing their purchases.
He explained that the initiative was aimed at ensuring telecommunications equipment met established regulatory standards while protecting consumers and improving the reliability, efficiency and integrity of Nigeria’s communication networks.
The NCC said consumers could use the Device Checker service by dialling *315# to confirm whether a device had received the Commission’s required regulatory approval.
According to the Commission, the use of non-compliant devices could affect network performance and create challenges for effective regulatory supervision, making adherence to type approval requirements essential.
Addressing concerns about privacy, Ogoh stressed that the initiative was designed to identify devices and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, rather than monitor users’ personal activities.
He explained that the system could retain device identification information, including International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, for regulatory purposes but did not give the Commission access to users’ private communications or personal content stored on their devices.
Such information, he clarified, included photographs, messages, contacts, financial details and other personal data.
Ogoh reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to protecting consumer privacy, promoting transparency and raising public awareness about telecommunications regulations.
He also called on government agencies, telecommunications operators, equipment manufacturers, dealers, market associations, consumer groups and the media to support the initiative by encouraging compliance and educating Nigerians on the importance of purchasing approved devices.
The Commission said greater public awareness and compliance with type approval requirements would help safeguard consumers and strengthen the integrity of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.
