The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says its Device Checker Platform verifies compliance with technical standards without accessing users’ private content stored on their devices.
The Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said this at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos to clarify the function of the platform. Maida explained that the platform was designed to strengthen device compliance, protect consumers and improve the integrity of telecommunications networks.
He was represented by the NCC Zonal Controller, Lagos Zonal Office, Mr Tunji Jimoh. He stressed that the initiative was not a surveillance tool, clarifying that it did not access users’ messages, photographs, contacts, financial information or other private content stored on their devices.
“The purpose of the platform is limited to device identification and regulatory compliance verification,” Maida said, explaining the platform’s scope. He said that 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.
Maida said that consumers could use the platform to check whether a device met relevant regulatory requirements before purchasing it, reducing the risk of acquiring non-compliant equipment. He added that the platform could help identify fake devices and support measures 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 met established technical and regulatory standards, ‘’ he said. Maida also disclosed that the commission had developed a user-friendly Device Checker application.
He said that the application enabled authorised stakeholders to scan device International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and upload relevant information directly 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 applicable regulatory requirements. He said also that consumers could verify their devices through the commission’s online Device Checker portal by entering the relevant IMEI number before completing a purchase.
Maida advised consumers to patronise reputable and licensed dealers and use the commission’s verification resources to make informed purchasing decisions. He also encouraged consumers requiring assistance with device verification or other consumer protection matters to contact the commission through its 315 toll-free consumer support number.
Speaking as himself, Jimoh said that the platform could identify counterfeit devices and support measures to prevent non-compliant phones from undermining telecommunications network integrity. “Counterfeit devices could pose health concerns and that is why phones entering Nigerian telecommunications networks must be genuine and compliant with established standards,” he said.
He described the conference as part of efforts to sensitise Nigerians about device verification and encourage the use of genuine communications equipment.
On his part, an official of NCC, Mr Kings Adeyemi, said that existing mobile phones had already been migrated to the Device Checker platform, assuring users that they did not need to undertake additional registration.
Adeyemi is the Assistant Director and Head of the Wireless Network, Technical Standards and Network Integrity Department, NCC.
He said that the migration covered existing devices, including genuine, fake and cloned phones, adding that users could continue using their devices.
Adeyemi said the platform also made provision for international travellers, allowing them to use their devices in Nigeria before completing the required registration.
He said eligible travellers would receive a notification granting 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 extended to SIM-enabled devices regardless of the sectors in which they were deployed, ‘’ he said.
