The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a new registration and authentication framework for SIM-enabled devices operating in Nigeria.
The initiative is designed to establish a central registry for devices and strengthen compliance with Nigeria’s telecommunications type-approval requirements.
Under the framework, SIM-enabled devices brought into the country will be required to undergo registration before being sold or operated on Nigerian mobile networks.
The NCC said the move is aimed at identifying illegally imported and non-compliant communication equipment.
The commission also warned that devices that fail to meet the applicable registration requirements will not be permitted to operate on Nigerian networks.
The regulator said the framework would strengthen oversight of communications equipment and ensure devices used in Nigeria comply with established technical standards.
The move forms part of wider efforts to improve regulatory compliance within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
For consumers, the development is expected to increase attention on the status of devices being purchased, particularly imported phones and other SIM-enabled equipment.
The new system also gives regulators greater visibility over the devices connecting to Nigerian telecommunications networks.