The Federal Government has moved to tighten control over mobile devices operating in Nigeria, with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) warning that phones without the required regulatory approval could be blocked from telecommunications networks after 30 cumulative days.
The development puts millions of mobile phone users on alert, particularly those who purchased their devices abroad or from retailers without confirming whether the handsets met Nigeria’s regulatory requirements.
To help consumers determine the status of their devices, the commission has introduced a verification process that allows users to check their phones by dialling *315# and selecting option 1.
The measure forms part of the NCC’s Device Management System (DMS) and Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), mechanisms designed to identify mobile devices operating on Nigerian networks and restrict those that fail to meet the commission’s type approval requirements.
Reports indicate that some phone owners have already received text message alerts concerning the regulatory status of their devices. Brands mentioned in the reports include Apple iPhone, Tecno, Infinix, Oukitel and Google Pixel.
Recipients of the messages were reportedly advised to contact the sellers who supplied their devices or dial 315 for further information on the verification process.
The announcement has triggered concerns among consumers who may have unknowingly purchased devices without the necessary approval, raising questions about the implications for people who depend on their phones for communication, business transactions and other daily activities.
Under the proposed enforcement process, affected devices could lose access to Nigerian telecommunications networks after accumulating 30 days, making it important for users to verify their phones and seek clarification if their devices are flagged.
However, the NCC maintains that the initiative is intended to tackle persistent challenges in Nigeria’s mobile phone market and telecommunications sector.
The commission’s objectives include curbing the circulation of counterfeit and substandard handsets, combating phone theft and preventing cloned or stolen devices from being used for criminal activities.
The system is also expected to strengthen telecommunications regulation and improve service quality by enabling authorities to identify and monitor devices connected to local networks.
Central to the verification process is the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), a unique identification number assigned to mobile devices. The number enables individual handsets to be identified and their status checked within the telecommunications system.
As the policy attracts public attention, consumers are being encouraged to verify their devices and seek clarification from the NCC or their sellers if they receive warning messages.
Phone owners should, however, confirm the authenticity and implications of any alert through official NCC channels before taking action, particularly where a device is flagged despite having been purchased from a seemingly legitimate retailer.
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