Nigerians have been cautioned to always check whether mobile phones and other communication devices have received regulatory approval before purchasing them.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in giving the advice, also advised consumers to use its Device Checker service, accessible by dialling *315#, to verify the approval status of devices and avoid purchasing equipment that does not meet the required standards.
The Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity at the NCC, Edoyemi Ogoh, who gave the advice during a media engagement on the Commission’s Device Checker and Type Approval initiative also encouraged Nigerians buying mobile phones, tablets, modems, Point of Sale (POS) terminals and other SIM-enabled devices to ask sellers about their approval status and independently verify their compliance.
According to Ogoh, the initiative is designed to protect consumers, promote compliance with regulatory standards and strengthen the reliability and efficiency of Nigeria’s telecommunications networks.
The Commission explained that non-compliant communication devices could create challenges for network performance and make regulatory oversight more difficult.
It said checking device approval before purchase would help promote compliance with established technical requirements and support a more reliable telecommunications industry.
The NCC urged consumers not to rely solely on assurances from sellers but to take responsibility for verifying whether devices have the necessary approval.
The advice covers a range of equipment, including smartphones, tablets, modems and POS terminals.
Ogoh also addressed concerns about the privacy implications of the device identification and type approval framework.
He clarified that the initiative was intended to support regulatory compliance and device identification, not to monitor users’ private activities.
According to him, the framework may retain device identification information, including International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, for regulatory purposes.
However, he said it does not give the Commission access to users’ personal communications, photographs, messages, contacts, financial information or other content stored on their devices.
The director reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to consumer privacy, transparency and public awareness, stressing the importance of helping Nigerians understand the purpose of the initiative.
Ogoh called for greater cooperation among government agencies, telecommunications operators, equipment manufacturers, dealers, market associations, consumer groups and the media to improve compliance.
He said building a stronger telecommunications sector required effective technical standards, responsible business practices and active consumer participation.
The Commission urged Nigerians to make device verification part of their purchasing decisions to help ensure that communication equipment offered for sale meets applicable regulatory requirements.
Consumers can dial *315# to access the NCC Device Checker service and verify the approval status of their devices.
