NCC INTRODUCES 315# SERVICE TO VERIFY PHONES, CURB COUNTERFEIT DEVICES

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a device verification service that allows consumers to check the compliance status of mobile phones and other communication equipment by dialling *315#.

The initiative, which forms part of an enhanced Type Approval Compliance framework that took effect on October 7, 2026, is aimed at protecting consumers, strengthening telecommunications network integrity and preventing the use of counterfeit and non-compliant devices in Nigeria.

The Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity at the Commission, Edoyemi Ogoh, disclosed this at a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, explaining that the framework would strengthen monitoring and enforcement of existing regulations.

Ogoh described type approval as a critical mechanism for protecting consumers, maintaining network performance and building confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy.

He said the Commission had engaged manufacturers, importers, dealers, telecommunications operators, government agencies and industry associations following the introduction of the Type Approval Business Rules in August 2024.

According to him, the NCC also collaborated with the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders to verify devices already in stock and ensure that newly imported equipment undergoes the required compliance checks.

The Commission urged consumers to verify devices before making payments, particularly when purchasing second-hand phones, through the *315# service or its official website, www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker.

Consumers seeking to check devices other than those currently in use may require the 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, which can be obtained by dialling *#06# on the device.

However, the NCC clarified that consumers purchasing devices from local sellers are not required to obtain type approval themselves, as the primary responsibility for compliance rests with manufacturers, importers, suppliers and businesses placing the equipment on the market.

It added that devices already connected to Nigerian mobile networks before the framework took effect had been automatically verified and would generally require no further action from their owners.

The framework covers smartphones, feature phones, cellular tablets, eligible Internet of Things devices, SIM-enabled point-of-sale terminals, cellular laptops and other equipment designed to connect to Nigerian mobile networks.

The Commission warned that devices found to be non-compliant with applicable requirements could be denied access to local telecommunications networks.

It explained that counterfeit phones are unauthorised imitations of genuine products, while cloned devices use IMEI numbers assigned to other legitimate devices.

The NCC, however, cautioned that an unsuccessful verification result does not automatically mean a device is counterfeit, advising consumers to seek clarification and resolve any outstanding verification issues before completing a purchase.

Addressing privacy concerns, Ogoh said the system was designed for device identification and regulatory verification, not surveillance.

He explained that although the framework uses device identification information, including IMEI numbers, it does not give the Commission access to subscribers’ calls, messages, photographs, contacts, financial information or other personal files.

The service also does not track users’ physical locations or movements, according to the Commission.

Earlier, the Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, Nneka Okoha, called on media organisations to intensify public awareness of the verification service and other regulatory initiatives.

Okoha said accurate and effective communication was essential to ensuring that regulatory policies achieved their objectives, particularly among consumers in grassroots communities.

She urged journalists to provide balanced information to help Nigerians understand the service, its benefits and their responsibilities when purchasing communication equipment.

The Commission also warned consumers against fraudsters seeking to exploit the verification process, advising them to use only the official USSD channel and NCC website.

It cautioned subscribers against disclosing one-time verification codes to sellers, callers or other individuals.

The NCC further clarified that international roaming with foreign SIM cards would not be affected by the framework.

It added that visitors using Nigerian SIM cards in devices that had never previously connected to a Nigerian network could do so for up to 30 cumulative days within a one-year period without verification, in line with its guidelines.

The framework is backed by the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, particularly Section 132(2), the Nigerian Communications (Type Approval) Regulations 2024 and the Type Approval Business Rules 2024.

Ogoh stressed that the Commission was strengthening enforcement of existing requirements rather than introducing a new regulatory obligation.

The NCC urged manufacturers, importers, dealers, service providers, consumer groups and media organisations to support public sensitisation and compliance efforts.

Consumers experiencing verification difficulties or network restrictions were advised to contact their service providers or seek assistance through the Commission’s official support channels, including its toll-free number, 315.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to consumer protection, stronger technical standards and a safer, more reliable telecommunications environment in support of Nigeria’s digital economy.