NCC Tightens Checks To Keep Fake Devices Off Telecom Networks

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched stricter verification measures to stop counterfeit, cloned and substandard communication units from accessing telecommunications networks in Nigeria.

The initiative, which is being applied beneath an enhanced Type Approval Compliance framework, is designed to enhance community high quality, shield customers and make sure that communication gear imported, marketed and operated within the nation complies with accredited technical and regulatory requirements.

The Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity on the NCC, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, disclosed this on Tuesday throughout a media briefing on the Commission’s head workplace annex in Mbora, Abuja.

Ogoh mentioned the brand new framework would enable the regulator to electronically authenticate the approval standing of SIM-enabled units, making it simpler to determine merchandise that don’t fulfill the required requirements.

He defined that the standard and security of units related to telecommunications networks have been important to sustaining reliable providers and defending subscribers.

According to him, sustaining a dependable telecommunications ecosystem goes past investing in community infrastructure, because the units customers use to entry these providers should additionally meet the mandatory high quality and security necessities.

He described Type Approval as a important client safety and regulatory instrument, fairly than merely an administrative requirement, including that it was mandatory for preserving community integrity and constructing confidence in Nigeria’s digital economic system.

Ogoh mentioned the Commission’s authority to implement the requirement was supplied for beneath Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which mandates related service suppliers, gear producers, suppliers and amenities suppliers to safe Type Approval earlier than communications gear is bought or deployed in Nigeria.

He famous that the strengthened compliance system would enhance regulatory supervision, encourage adherence to trade requirements and create a clear working setting for official companies.

The NCC director additional revealed that the Commission had consulted stakeholders throughout the communications gadget provide chain following the introduction of its Type Approval Business Rules in August 2024.

According to him, the consultations concerned producers, importers, distributors, telecom operators, authorities establishments and trade associations, whose enter contributed to the event of the implementation framework.

He added that the Commission was working with the Nigeria Customs Service, gear producers, importers and market associations to make sure the profitable enforcement of the brand new measures.

Ogoh disclosed that communication units already held in inventory have been being registered on the system, whereas incoming imports would endure the required authentication and verification procedures.

He defined that the method would assist the regulator detect counterfeit, cloned and non-compliant gear and forestall such units from having access to telecommunications networks.

Ogoh additionally referred to as on customers to test the approval standing of communication gear earlier than making purchases.

He urged Nigerians buying cellphones, tablets, modems, Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals and different SIM-enabled merchandise to make sure that sellers might affirm their NCC Type Approval standing.

Ogoh maintained that buyers have been entitled to purchase communication units that met the nation’s established technical and security necessities.

He warned that using unapproved gear might have an effect on telecommunications community efficiency and make efficient regulatory monitoring tougher.

Ogoh added that stronger compliance with Type Approval necessities would contribute to extra dependable and environment friendly communication providers for hundreds of thousands of Nigerians.