The Nigerian Communications Commission has unveiled plans to deepen its working relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service in a bid to curb the entry of non-compliant mobile devices into the country.
The commission cautioned that devices which fail to meet regulatory requirements could be barred from connecting to telecommunications networks.
According to the NCC, the initiative will enhance the monitoring of imported devices, ensure that applicable duties are paid and encourage fair competition among businesses in the communications equipment market.
In a notice dated October 19, 2026, the commission reminded manufacturers, importers, distributors, dealers and retailers of their responsibilities under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the Type Approval Regulations 2024 and the Type Approval Business Rules 2024.
The NCC stated that every device model meant to be imported, assembled, distributed or sold in Nigeria must first secure the required type approval.
It said: “All device models intended for importation, assembly and distribution or sale in Nigeria must have obtained the required NCC Type Approval.”
The commission explained that the requirement is backed by Section 132 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and Regulation 4 of the Type Approval Regulations 2024.
As part of the compliance process, Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs, Original Device Manufacturers, ODMs, importers and other responsible suppliers must submit the International Mobile Equipment Identity, IMEI, details of individual devices through approved channels for verification before the devices are sold or distributed.
The commission also directed distributors, dealers and retailers to review devices already in their stock and work with their suppliers to resolve any outstanding compliance issues.
It added that newly imported devices must likewise meet the applicable approval and verification requirements before they are placed on the market.
Explaining its enforcement measures, the NCC said it was reinforcing monitoring through technology-enabled verification to detect irregularities in the importation and distribution of communications devices.
“The automated Type Approval Compliance process will strengthen the Commission’s oversight of devices entering the Nigerian market and improve its ability to identify potential irregularities in their importation and distribution,” it said.
The commission disclosed that it had held engagements with manufacturers, importers and relevant industry associations, and urged businesses needing clarification to seek guidance through its approved onboarding and support channels.
It warned that, once the process is fully implemented, devices that do not meet the applicable requirements may be restricted from accessing Nigerian mobile telecommunications networks, in line with the approved enforcement framework.
The NCC said the initiative was designed to protect consumers and to ensure that businesses that comply with regulatory requirements are not disadvantaged by those that fail to meet their obligations.
Stakeholders seeking compliance guidance and onboarding assistance were advised to visit its website.
