The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says its Device Checker Platform verifies compliance with technical standards without accessing private content stored on users’ devices.
The NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, said this at a news conference in Lagos on Thursday to clarify the platform’s function. He was represented by the NCC’s Lagos Zonal Controller, Tunji Jimoh.
Maida said the platform was designed to strengthen device compliance, protect consumers and improve the integrity of telecommunications networks.
He stressed that the initiative was not a surveillance tool and did not access users’ messages, photographs, contacts, financial information or other private content.
“The purpose of the platform is limited to device identification and regulatory compliance verification,” Maida said.
He said the platform supported the verification of the Type Approval status of SIM-enabled devices to help address the circulation of counterfeit, cloned, non-compliant and unauthorised phones.
Consumers can use the platform to check whether a device meets regulatory requirements before purchasing it, reducing the risk of buying non-compliant equipment, he said.
Maida added that the platform could help identify counterfeit devices and support efforts to prevent non-compliant phones from undermining the integrity of Nigerian telecommunications networks.
“The initiative is intended to ensure that SIM-enabled devices connecting to Nigerian networks are properly checked and meet established technical and regulatory standards,” he said.
Maida also said the commission had developed a user-friendly Device Checker application. The application enables authorised stakeholders to scan device International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and upload relevant information to the platform.
“The application is intended to simplify compliance procedures and improve efficiency for stakeholders involved in the importation, distribution and sale of communications devices,” he said.
The executive vice-chairman urged manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers to familiarise themselves with the commission’s Type Approval and Device Verification Guide and comply with regulatory requirements.
Consumers can verify devices through the commission’s online Device Checker portal by entering the relevant IMEI number before making a purchase, he said.
Maida advised consumers to buy from reputable, licensed dealers and use the commission’s verification resources to make informed decisions. He also encouraged consumers seeking assistance with device verification or other consumer protection matters to contact the commission’s toll-free support line on 315.
Jimoh said the platform could identify counterfeit devices and help prevent non-compliant phones from undermining network integrity.
“Counterfeit devices could pose health concerns, and that is why phones entering Nigerian telecommunications networks must be genuine and comply with established standards,” he said.
He described the news conference as part of efforts to raise awareness about device verification and encourage Nigerians to use genuine communications equipment.
An NCC official, Kings Adeyemi, said existing mobile phones had already been migrated to the Device Checker Platform, adding that users did not need to register them again.
Adeyemi is the assistant director and head of the Wireless Network, Technical Standards and Network Integrity Department at the NCC.
He said the migration covered existing devices, including genuine, counterfeit and cloned phones, and that users could continue using their devices.
The platform also accommodates international travellers, allowing them to use their devices in Nigeria before completing the required registration, Adeyemi said. Eligible travellers would receive a notification giving them 30 days to register their devices online.
“The Device Checker covers SIM-enabled equipment beyond smartphones, including routers, Internet of Things devices and other connected products. The platform’s coverage extends to SIM-enabled devices regardless of the sectors in which they are deployed,” he said.
