By Jessica Dogo
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday urged Nigerians to confirm the approval standing of SIM cared-enabled units earlier than shopping for them.
Director, Technical Services and Network Integrity, NCC, Edoyemi Ogoh, mentioned this at a media roundtable in Abuja.
“When buying a phone, tablet, modem or any device that uses a SIM, consumers should ask the seller whether it is NCC-approved and independently verify its approval status.
“The process is very easy, just call 315; you will get the required help that you require it will assist you with that because it is toll-free.
“You always get someone that will certainly respond to you and address whatever issues that you may have with your devices,” he mentioned.
He mentioned the fee had commenced the implementation of an enhanced sort approval compliance framework for SIM-enabled communication units to enhance community high quality and shield customers.
He mentioned that the framework was designed to make sure that communication units bought and utilized in Nigeria complied with established technical and regulatory requirements.
He mentioned that the initiative was a part of the fee’s statutory duty beneath the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, to safeguard the integrity of telecommunications networks and promote client confidence.
“The telecommunications sector is critical to Nigeria’s economic and social development, with millions of Nigerians relying on communication devices for businesses, education, healthcare, financial transactions and personal communication,” he mentioned.
He mentioned that the integrity of telecommunications networks depended not solely on infrastructure but in addition on the standard, security and compliance of units linked to them.
“The implementation creates an environment in which consumers can have greater confidence in the devices available within the Nigerian marketplace.
“It also contributes to a healthier device environment in which compliance becomes the norm rather than the exception,” he mentioned.
Ogoh defined that Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, required related service suppliers, gear producers and suppliers to acquire sort approval from the fee earlier than communication gear might be bought or utilized in Nigeria.
He mentioned that the improved framework would facilitate digital verification of the sort approval standing of SIM-enabled units, enhance regulatory oversight and assist establish non-compliant, cloned and counterfeit units.
He mentioned that the initiative would additionally promote truthful competitors amongst official companies, enhance community efficiency and strengthen confidence in communication units accessible within the Nigerian market.
He mentioned that the fee had undertaken stakeholder engagements, market research and consultations throughout the machine worth chain following the issuance of its Type Approval Business Rules in August 2024.
He additionally mentioned that the NCC had labored with related stakeholders, together with the Nigeria Customs Service, to make sure that units already in inventory had been appropriately onboarded and that newly imported units had been verified and authenticated.
“The engagements involve original equipment manufacturers, importers, dealers, service providers, government agencies and industry associations, whose contributions informed the framework’s design and implementation.”
The director mentioned that the framework was strictly for machine identification and regulatory compliance and was not a surveillance instrument.
He defined that the system used machine identification info, together with International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, for regulatory functions, including that the fee doesn’t have entry to customers’ monetary info or private information.
He reaffirmed the fee’s dedication to defending client privateness in accordance with relevant legal guidelines and regulatory necessities, whereas sustaining public consciousness and stakeholder engagement all through the implementation course of.
Earlier, Nnenna Ukoha, Director, Public Affairs Department, NCC described machine checking and sort approval as essential measures to make sure machine security, improved community high quality and client safety.
Ukoha mentioned the initiative would contribute to constructing a safer digital surroundings and help Nigeria’s ambition to develop a trillion-dollar digital financial system.. (NAN)
Edited by Uche Anunne
