Nigerian Reps: NCC Phone Verification Review Commences

• The Nigerian House of Representatives has called for a review of the NCC's mobile phone device verification requirements.
• Lawmakers are concerned the policy could increase phone prices and lead to the rejection of legitimate used devices.
• The review aims to simplify verification procedures and reduce compliance costs for importers and retailers.
• The NCC's framework utilizes the Device Management System and Central Equipment Identity Register to verify devices via IMEI numbers.
• House committees are tasked with engaging the NCC and stakeholders, reporting back within four weeks for further legislative action.

The House stressed that enforcement must not unfairly penalize legitimate businesses or shut Nigerians out of affordable communication devices.

The Nigerian House of Representatives has initiated a comprehensive review of the mobile phone device verification requirements implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This move, prompted by a motion from Sani Wakili, who represents a constituency in Kano, stems from significant concerns that the current policy could inflate phone prices and lead to the unwarranted rejection or blocking of genuinely owned used devices. Lawmakers also expressed apprehension that the financial and procedural complexities associated with compliance might disproportionately affect small-scale importers and retailers, potentially hindering access to affordable mobile phones for the general populace.

The resolution specifically urged the NCC to re-evaluate the operational aspects of its device verification framework, emphasizing the need for thorough consultation with all relevant stakeholders. To further investigate the matter, the House has directed its Committees on Communications and Commerce to engage directly with the NCC and other interested parties. These committees are mandated to report their findings and recommendations back to the House within a four-week timeframe, paving the way for potential legislative adjustments. The Committee on Legislative Compliance has been assigned the responsibility of ensuring that this resolution is effectively executed.

At the heart of the legislative review is the NCC's existing device verification framework, which operates through the Device Management System (DMS) and the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR). This system is designed to identify and authenticate mobile phones and other SIM-enabled devices by utilizing their unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers. The enhanced verification requirements, which officially came into effect on October 7, 2026, impose new compliance obligations primarily on newly imported devices entering the Nigerian market.

While the House acknowledged the NCC's commendable efforts to combat the proliferation of counterfeit, cloned, and stolen devices, it highlighted that these new requirements could substantially increase operating costs for both importers and retailers. The NCC's measures are fundamentally aimed at improving the identification of mobile devices and mitigating issues associated with illegally duplicated or fraudulent equipment. However, the legislative body's intervention seeks to ensure that these crucial security objectives are achieved without imposing undue financial burdens or creating avoidable hardships for legitimate users and businesses.

A primary concern articulated by the House of Representatives is the potential for these increased operating costs to be transferred directly to consumers, resulting in higher mobile phone prices. Such an outcome would render mobile phones less accessible, particularly for low-income Nigerians who rely heavily on these devices for essential communication, educational pursuits, and conducting business activities. Beyond mere communication, mobile phones serve as critical tools for accessing digital banking, online learning platforms, e-commerce, and a myriad of other vital services in contemporary Nigerian society.

Lawmakers also voiced worries regarding the possibility of technical glitches, database discrepancies, and inherent limitations within the NCC's scanning and verification systems. These issues, they cautioned, could inadvertently lead to the rejection or blocking of genuine phones. Such challenges would undoubtedly create significant difficulties for lawful users and businesses, especially within the vibrant second-hand phone market, where a substantial number of Nigerians procure devices at more affordable prices. The House stressed that enforcement must not unfairly penalize legitimate businesses or shut Nigerians out of affordable communication devices. The outcome of the ongoing engagement is anticipated to help the House determine if the current arrangements effectively balance device security, regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and overall affordability.

Lawyers advising clients in the Nigerian telecommunications sector, particularly importers and retailers of mobile devices, should monitor the outcome of the House of Representatives' review of the NCC's device verification framework. Potential revisions to these rules could impact compliance costs, import procedures, and the market for second-hand phones, necessitating adjustments to business operations and legal advice.

Source: Original reporting via The PUNCH