The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has announced the commencement of its enhanced Type Approval Compliance framework for all SIM-enabled communications devices operating in Nigeria.
Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity at the Commission, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, disclosed this on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, during a media engagement at the NCC Head Office Annex, Mbora, Abuja.
Ogoh said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that all communications devices imported, sold and used in Nigeria comply with applicable technical and regulatory standards, in line with Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
According to him, Type Approval is not merely a regulatory requirement but a vital mechanism for protecting consumers, safeguarding network performance and preserving confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy.
He explained that the new framework enables electronic verification of Type Approval status for devices such as mobile phones, tablets, modems and POS terminals, and will provide a more effective mechanism for identifying non-compliant, cloned and fake devices.
The Director noted that the implementation follows extensive stakeholder engagements, market studies and consultations undertaken after the issuance of the Type Approval Business Rules in August 2024.
He said the engagements involved Original Equipment Manufacturers, importers, dealers, service providers, government agencies and industry associations.
Ogoh said the Commission is working closely with critical stakeholders including the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure that devices currently in stock are onboarded and that new imports are properly verified and authenticated.
He urged consumers to become active participants by always confirming the Type Approval status of devices before purchase.
Addressing privacy concerns, the NCC Director stressed that the compliance framework is not a surveillance tool.
“The compliance framework is designed solely to support device identification and Type Approval compliance. It maintains device identification information, including IMEI numbers, for regulatory purposes. It does not provide the Commission with access to the content of users’ devices, nor does it enable the Commission to monitor personal communications,” he said.
He reiterated that the framework does not provide access to photographs, messages, contacts, financial information or any other personal information stored on devices, assuring that consumer privacy remains fully protected under applicable laws.
Ogoh called on the media to support public sensitisation, noting that effective regulation is best achieved through partnership, transparency and shared responsibility.
