RismadarVoice Reporters
October 29, 2026
The House of Representatives has reportedly called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to review the implementation of its mobile device verification framework amid concerns that compliance costs could increase telephone prices and disadvantage legitimate businesses and consumers.
According to a report by PUNCH on Thursday, the resolution followed a motion sponsored by Sani Wakili, a lawmaker from Kano State, who raised concerns about the economic implications of the verification requirements, particularly for small-scale importers, retailers and dealers in second-hand mobile phones.
The framework, which took effect on October 7, 2026, uses the Device Management System (DMS) to verify SIM-enabled devices through their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers.
The initiative forms part of the NCC’s efforts to strengthen compliance with existing telecommunications equipment standards and prevent counterfeit, cloned and non-compliant devices from accessing Nigerian mobile networks.
However, lawmakers expressed concern that additional administrative procedures and compliance expenses could be transferred to consumers, further increasing the cost of mobile phones in an already price-sensitive market.
They also warned that technical failures, incorrect database entries and verification mismatches could prevent genuine devices from receiving approval, potentially affecting lawful owners and businesses operating in Nigeria’s second-hand telephone market.
The House consequently urged the NCC to simplify verification procedures, reduce compliance burdens and establish accessible mechanisms for resolving disputes involving legitimate devices.
It also reportedly directed its Committees on Communications and Commerce to engage the commission and relevant industry stakeholders and submit recommendations within four weeks.
The Committee on Legislative Compliance was assigned responsibility for monitoring implementation of the resolution.
Meanwhile, the NCC has maintained that its enhanced verification system strengthens enforcement of existing regulatory obligations rather than introducing an entirely new device approval requirement.
According to the commission’s published guidance, phones connected to Nigerian networks before October 7 were automatically verified, while consumers can check device compliance through the official Device Checker service by dialling *315#.
The commission also states that an unsuccessful verification result does not automatically establish that a device is counterfeit.
The proposed legislative review comes amid wider concerns from telecommunications equipment traders about the possible effects of verification charges and administrative requirements on businesses.
The outcome of the parliamentary engagement could influence how the NCC balances consumer affordability, legitimate commercial activities and the need to protect Nigeria’s telecommunications networks from substandard and illegally duplicated equipment.
