The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a reminder to phone manufacturers, also known as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), importers, distributors, and local dealers to
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a reminder to phone manufacturers, also known as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), importers, distributors, and local dealers to ensure that all SIM-enabled devices are fully Type-Approved or risk having them blocked from all Nigerian mobile connections.
This was contained in a public notice signed by Nnenna Ukoha, the NCC’s director of public affairs, on Monday, October 19, and seen by Technext.
The commission noted that monitoring is being facilitated through automated and technology-enabled verification processes. It noted that under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the Type Approval Regulations 2024, and the Type Approval Business Rules 2024, every model of smartphone, feature phone, tablet, or router sold in Nigeria must receive official NCC Type Approval before reaching store shelves.
“The automated Type Approval Compliance process will strengthen the Commission’s oversight of devices entering the Nigerian market and improve its ability to identify potential irregularities in their importation and distribution,” part of the statement reads.
In early October, the commission sent warnings to Nigerians who are holders of unregistered phone types, informing them that their unapproved smartphones will be disconnected from local cellular networks within 30 days. The move was a major development to ensure that all SIM-enabled devices are registered and verified.
Compliance requirements for device approval and verificationIn the public notice, the NCC noted that all parties involved in the manufacture, importation, supply and sale of SIM-enabled devices must ensure that all phones, tablets, POS machines and routers have obtained the required NCC Type Approval before distribution or sale.
“This requirement is as outlined in Section 132 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and Regulation 4 in the Type Approval Regulations 2024,” it added.
In addition, device manufacturers, importers and suppliers must ensure that the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) information of the devices is submitted to appropriate authorities for verification before sale and distribution.
While recognising existing stock, the NCC noted that distributors, dealers and retailers should confirm that these devices meet the applicable Type Approval and device verification requirements, and should work with their suppliers to resolve any outstanding compliance issues.
In a move to further strengthen the importation of quality devices, NCC has collaborated with the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure that import records comply with new guidelines and applicable duties. It will also monitor fair competition by ensuring that businesses which meet their obligations are not disadvantaged by those which do not.
“Upon full implementation, devices that fail to meet the applicable requirements may be restricted from accessing Nigerian mobile telecommunications networks, in accordance with the approved enforcement framework,” it warned.
The Commission noted that all manufacturers, distributors and sellers who are not fully aware of the Type Approval compliance should seek guidance promptly through the Commission’s approved onboarding and support channels.
Phone traders beg for suspensionWhile the NCC is tightening the process to ensure all SIM-enabled devices imported, sold and used in Nigeria meet applicable technical and regulatory standards, Nigerian phone traders are seeking suspension of the enforcement.
Through the Association of Mobile Phones and Allied Products Traders of Nigeria (AMPAT), phone traders want the commission to suspend the new Type Approval compliance for 120 days to allow consultations with stakeholders in the industry.
They also noted that the NCC must ensure transparency in implementing the policy and pointed out that traders must be consulted before new regulatory measures affecting their businesses are enforced.
The NCC’s aim in introducing the new regulations is directed at clearing the market of fake, substandard, and cloned devices mostly used for fraudulent and kidnapping activities.
Also read: Global smartphone shipments register their worst quarter yet, but Sub-Saharan Africa will be hardest hit.
