Comply with approval requirements, NCC tells SIM-enabled devices importers

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reminded manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers of SIM-enabled devices to comply with its type approval and device verification requirements.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the commission said the measures were aimed at ensuring that devices imported, sold and used in Nigeria met applicable standards.

The Director of Public Affairs, NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, said this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ukoha said that the requirements were backed by the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the Type Approval Regulations 2024 and the Type Approval Business Rules 2024.

She said that all device models intended for importation, assembly, distribution or sale in Nigeria should obtain the required NCC Type Approval.

“The commission is strengthening the monitoring and enforcement of existing requirements through technology-enabled verification.

“The requirement was in line with Section 132 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and Regulation 4 of the Type Approval Regulations 2024,” she said.

She urged distributors, dealers and retailers to verify that devices already in their stock met the applicable type approval and device verification requirements.

She said that original equipment and device manufacturers, importers and other responsible suppliers should submit the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) information of their devices through the approved compliance process for verification.

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Ukoha advised businesses to work with their suppliers to resolve any outstanding compliance issues.

She said that newly imported devices should also satisfy the applicable requirements before being introduced into the Nigerian market.

According to her, the commission has engaged manufacturers, importers and relevant industry associations to facilitate compliance.

She encouraged businesses that had not participated in the engagements or were uncertain about the process to seek guidance through its approved onboarding and support channels.

Ukoha said that the automated compliance process would strengthen oversight of devices entering the Nigerian market and improve its ability to identify irregularities in their importation and distribution.

“Businesses that have not participated in these engagements or are uncertain about the steps required for compliance are encouraged to seek guidance promptly through the commission’s approved onboarding and support channels,” she said.

Ukoha said that in collaboration with the Nigerian Customs Service, the initiative would support the reconciliation of import records, compliance with applicable duties and the promotion of fair competition.

She warned that upon full implementation, devices that failed applicable requirements could be restricted from accessing Nigerian mobile telecommunications networks in accordance with the approved enforcement framework.

She reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to working with industry stakeholders to facilitate compliance, protect consumers and promote a fair and sustainable market for communications devices.

She advised stakeholders seeking compliance guidance and onboarding assistance to visit NCC official website at www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceCheckerGuide or call 315 for assistance. (NAN)