Phones already on Nigerian networks before October 7 are automatically verified, says the Commission
– The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has released a guide to its Device Checker and Type Approval compliance drive, which took effect on October 7, 2026.
Type Approval is a requirement under Nigerian law that every communications device meets approved technical standards before it is sold or used in the country. Using, selling or importing devices that are not Type Approved is prohibited.
The Commission said Type Approval is an existing requirement. It is now using technology to make compliance checks and enforcement more efficient, help consumers make informed choices and support reliable mobile networks.
What is the Device Checker?
The Device Checker is an NCC service for checking whether a SIM-enabled device model is Type Approved and verified for use on Nigerian mobile networks. Consumers can use it by:
Dialling *315#
Visiting www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker
Calling the toll-free number 315
Will my current phone stop working?
No. Any phone connected to a Nigerian network before October 7, 2026 has been automatically verified, and no action is needed. This covers phones already in use, phones bought in Nigeria (new or second-hand) and phones passed on by family or friends.
If a device cannot be verified or is affected by a compliance restriction, users should follow the instructions to contact their seller or service provider.
Which devices are covered?
All SIM-enabled devices designed to connect to Nigerian mobile networks, including smartphones, feature phones, cellular IoT devices, cellular tablets, SIM-enabled PoS terminals, SIM-enabled laptops and other cellular devices.
Buying and selling
Before paying, buyers should ask the seller to confirm the device is Type Approved, then check it through *315# or the website. For another device, users may be asked to enter its 15-digit IMEI. The result must show the device is Type Approved and verified for use on Nigerian networks.
Second-hand phones can be bought, but should be checked before payment. The NCC said previous network use should not be assumed to mean a device is compliant.
A verified, Type Approved phone can normally be used by another person with their SIM, though the buyer should still verify its status.
Is my personal data safe?
The NCC said the system uses device identification information, including IMEI numbers, to verify compliance. It does not give the Commission access to personal content such as messages, photos or files, and does not allow it to listen to calls, read messages or track location.
Avoiding scams
Users should use only *315# and the official NCC website. If a verification code is sent during an official process, it should be entered only in that process and never shared with a caller or seller. NCC staff will never ask for a one-time code.
Phones bought abroad, visitors and roaming
A device bought abroad can be used if it meets Type Approval requirements and passes verification. Different procedures apply to personal and bulk imports. Individuals who bring in devices for personal use can verify using travel history details, and the 315 line can give a step-by-step guide.
Visitors roaming with a foreign SIM are not affected. A phone previously used in Nigeria with a Nigerian SIM is already verified. A phone never used in Nigeria can be used with a Nigerian SIM for up to 30 cumulative days within one year without verification.
Repairs and IMEI changes
A genuine device must keep its original identity, and its IMEI must not be altered without the consent of the original equipment manufacturer. Repairs should follow the manufacturer’s authorised procedures. The NCC warned that unauthorised IMEI changes can be used to disguise counterfeit or stolen devices.
Stolen phones
Device Checker can help. Once a theft is reported and ownership is verified, the device can be blocked across all Nigerian mobile networks.
What happens if a device fails verification?
Devices confirmed not to meet requirements, such as counterfeit or cloned devices, will be denied access to Nigerian mobile networks. A counterfeit device is one designed to imitate a genuine device without authorisation, while a cloned phone replicates the IMEI of another legitimate device.
