The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has assured telecommunications subscribers that mobile phones and other SIM enabled devices already in use before the implementation of its Type Approval Compliance policy will not be affected by the new regulatory measure.
The Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity at the Commission, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, gave the assurance during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ogoh explained that the Commission had taken steps to capture existing devices before the device checker became fully operational. He said subscribers who had been using their devices before the implementation would not be required to take any action.
According to him, the Commission had already registered approximately 233 million subscribers and 131 million devices nationwide before the system became fully operational.
“As at the time the device checker came back and actually became fully operational, we had already registered about 233 million subscribers and about 131 million devices across the country,” he said.
He added that the compliance requirements were primarily intended to regulate devices being purchased and introduced into the Nigerian market, rather than phones already in use.
“The subscriber does not have to do anything. Those that bought the devices before now and have been using them do not need to do anything,” Ogoh said.
The NCC said the initiative was designed to ensure that communications devices imported, sold and used in Nigeria meet applicable technical and regulatory standards.
The policy is also expected to strengthen consumer protection, improve network integrity and encourage the use of approved communications equipment.
Ogoh urged businesses willing to comply with the requirements but facing difficulties to contact the Commission through its short code, 315, for assistance.
He said the NCC had established an online registration process to enable businesses to register their operations and upload information about their existing stock of devices.
Businesses are expected to possess the appropriate registration documents, including business name registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, or registration as a limited liability company.
Ogoh explained that the digital process was introduced to eliminate unnecessary manual procedures and make compliance easier for businesses.
He advised operators experiencing difficulties to call 315 for guidance or consult the frequently asked questions section on the Commission’s website.
NCC Addresses Concerns Over Wrongful Blocking
Ogoh also dismissed concerns that the implementation could result in the wrongful blocking of genuine mobile devices, insisting that the Commission’s system was designed to identify legitimate equipment.
“There is no scenario of wrongful blocking because every device that is genuine, we are able to tell that the device is genuine,” he said.
He added that subscribers who encountered any unexpected problems could contact the Commission through 315 for assistance.
The NCC further advised Nigerians to check a device’s International Mobile Equipment Identity, IMEI, number before purchasing it to determine whether it meets the applicable requirements.
Ogoh explained that consumers could find the IMEI number printed on a phone’s packaging without opening the box or switching on the device. He noted that phones with multiple IMEI numbers would have the respective numbers displayed on their packaging.
He encouraged prospective buyers to use the Commission’s device checking process to verify a phone’s status before completing a purchase.
In her opening address, the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Nneka Okoha, called on the media to support public awareness by explaining the new regulatory requirements in simple language that Nigerians could understand.
She said effective public education was necessary to ensure that regulatory policies achieved their intended objectives.
“Whatever beautiful regulation that might come out of this Commission, if you don’t interpret it, if you don’t take it to the grassroots, all our efforts will be mocked,” she said.
Okoha commended journalists for their role in educating the public, explaining that the briefing was organised to improve understanding of the device checker, Type Approval and the Commission’s efforts to promote safer devices, better network quality and stronger consumer protection.
She described telecommunications as a major pillar of Nigeria’s digital economy and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to implementing the policy without unnecessary disruptions to subscribers and businesses.
Okoha added that clear communication with consumers and industry stakeholders remained essential as implementation continued, particularly in helping Nigerians understand their responsibilities and the benefits of using approved communications devices.
