NCC director issues stern warning to ‘fake phone sellers’

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned that sellers of fake or non-compliant phones could lose money under its new device-checking program. This initiative lets buyers check devices before they buy them.

The Commission also assured Nigerians that phones and other SIM-enabled devices bought before the program started will not be blacklisted.

Engr Edoyemi Ogoh, the NCC’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, during a recent interview, said that the initiative was announced in 2024 and is now fully in place.

Ogoh also added that the NCC had taken into account how Nigerians bought devices before the system was introduced.

He also said the Commission has registered about “231 million devices across the country” since 2024.

He said subscribers using devices purchased before the rollout would not need to take any action, but advised prospective buyers to verify the authenticity of devices before paying for them.

Ogoh explained that the Commission understands many Nigerians choose phones they can afford and often do not have a reliable way to check if the devices are genuine.

The International Mobile Equipment Identity, or IMEI, is a unique number that helps identify each mobile device.

Ogoh said the verification system is meant to help buyers check if devices meet regulatory standards and are real products from the brands sellers claim.

He mentioned that some phones get very hot during calls, which shows the kind of safety problems that can happen if devices do not meet standards.

“I’m sure many of us have experienced or heard someone say their phone gets very hot during a call. These are the kinds of risks that can happen,” he said.

Ogoh said the device-checking initiative would complement inspections conducted at the point of importation, where the NCC works with the Nigeria Customs Service to verify incoming devices.

He explained that importation checks and the new verification system target different points in the supply chain, since devices can reach the market through smuggling or other means.

However, he noted that importation checks by themselves cannot cover all devices already in the Nigerian market.

Ogoh admitted that some traders may still try to smuggle devices into the country for profit, even with the risks and potential legal consequences.

He said that letting buyers check devices before buying could make it more difficult for traders to sell fake or non-compliant products.

He added that the Commission will keep working with the Customs Service to make sure imported devices meet the required standards.