The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has developed a cellular software that permits authorised trade stakeholders to scan telephones’ International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and add gadget info to its verification platform. The regulator is stepping up efforts to implement gear approval necessities.
The fee introduced the event at a media briefing on Thursday when it stated the appliance is designed to simplify compliance for producers, importers, distributors and telephone sellers.
The app types a part of the NCC’s Device Checker initiative, which permits shoppers to verify whether or not gadgets have obtained regulatory approval earlier than buy. The fee says the broader platform is meant to assist curb the circulation of counterfeit, cloned, unauthorised and different non-compliant gadgets in Nigeria.
TechCabal’s analysis of the gadget verification system on October 20, 2026, had examined how the nation’s advanced telephone distribution community might complicate enforcement. Devices transfer by means of producers, main importers, regional distributors and smaller retailers earlier than reaching shoppers, making it tough to determine duty when a tool fails regulatory checks.
The new software gives a further instrument for accumulating gadget info throughout this chain.
The Commission says its “user-friendly” Device Checker software “enables authorised stakeholders to quickly scan device IMEIs and upload information directly to the platform.”
In apply, the app is meant to enhance effectivity and ease compliance for authorised stakeholders. This offers the fee a technique to gather gadget info from companies throughout the provision chain and verify compliance with its Type Approval necessities.
The regulator additionally reported progress in licensing and regularising telephone sellers in Kano State, alongside sensitisation engagements with importers and different trade contributors in Lagos and elsewhere.
The actual measure is whether or not the app might help the regulator hint non-compliant telephones again by means of the provision chain.
