NCC Begins Registration of SIM-Enabled Devices, Moves To o Block Illegal Imports

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced the registration and authentication of SIM-enabled devices in Nigeria, in a major regulatory move aimed at tackling illegal imports, counterfeit equipment and non-compliant communications devices.

The initiative, being implemented through the Commission’s Device Management System (DMS), will establish a central registry of device International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and enable the NCC to electronically determine whether SIM-enabled devices meet Nigeria’s Type Approval requirements.

Under the new framework, SIM-enabled communications devices brought into Nigeria must be registered before they can be sold, while devices that are not duly registered will not be permitted to operate on Nigerian mobile networks.

The NCC said the first phase of implementation is focused on registering existing devices held in stock and ensuring that newly imported devices are properly registered and authenticated.

The Commission is working with the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), importers, dealers and relevant industry associations as it rolls out the system.

According to the NCC, the initiative is designed to strengthen enforcement of its Type Approval regime, which requires communications equipment imported, sold or used in Nigeria to meet prescribed technical and regulatory standards.

At the heart of the framework is the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), which will maintain records of SIM-enabled devices using their unique IMEI numbers.

NCC Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Edoyemi Ogoh, said the central registry would give the regulator a more effective mechanism for determining whether devices entering and operating in Nigeria comply with applicable standards.
Crackdown on illegal and stolen devices.

Beyond regulatory compliance, the DMS is expected to strengthen the fight against illegally imported, counterfeit and stolen devices.

The system will enable authorities to identify non-compliant equipment and, where necessary, block stolen devices from connecting to Nigerian mobile networks even when a different SIM card is inserted.

The NCC said the initiative should also improve consumer confidence in devices sold in Nigeria and contribute to a more secure and reliable communications ecosystem.
Importers face new compliance requirements

The rollout is already generating concerns among some industry stakeholders, who have called for additional time and clearer guidance on implementation.

The NCC had initially set September 7, 2026, as the deadline for onboarding existing devices in stock, but the deadline has reportedly been extended to October 6, 2026, following concerns from stakeholders over licensing requirements and the time needed to complete registration.

Industry stakeholders have also sought clarification on implementation procedures and the timeline for full deployment of the DMS.

NCC addresses privacy concerns
The Commission has also sought to reassure consumers that the new device registry is not intended to provide access to personal information stored on their phones.

According to the NCC, the DMS is designed specifically for device identification and Type Approval compliance. While it will maintain device identification information such as IMEI numbers, it will not provide the Commission with access to the contents of users’ devices or enable monitoring of personal communications.

The new framework marks a significant shift toward technology-driven enforcement of Nigeria’s communications equipment market, with the NCC seeking greater visibility over devices entering the country and connecting to its mobile networks.