The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched a Device Checker service that enables consumers to verify mobile phones and other communications equipment by dialling *315#, as part of efforts to combat counterfeit and non-compliant devices in Nigeria.
The initiative forms part of an enhanced Type Approval Compliance framework that took effect on October 7, 2026. According to the Commission, the framework is designed to protect consumers, strengthen telecommunications network security and ensure that devices sold and used in the country meet approved technical standards.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity at the NCC, Edoyemi Ogoh, said the initiative would improve monitoring and enforcement of existing regulatory requirements.
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“Type Approval is not merely a regulatory requirement. It is a vital mechanism for protecting consumers, safeguarding network performance and preserving confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy,” Ogoh said.
He explained that the Commission had engaged original equipment manufacturers, importers, dealers, telecommunications operators, government agencies and industry associations following the introduction of the Type Approval Business Rules in August 2024.
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 necessary compliance checks.
How to Verify a Phone Using the NCC Device Checker
The Commission said Nigerians could verify their devices by dialling *315# and following the instructions provided. Consumers can also use the Device Checker portal on the NCC’s official website at www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker.
Those seeking to verify a device other than the phone they are currently using may need its 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. The number can be retrieved by dialling *#06# on the device.
The NCC advised consumers to check devices before making payment, particularly when buying second-hand phones, to reduce the risk of purchasing counterfeit or non-compliant products.
However, the Commission clarified that consumers purchasing devices from Nigerian sellers are not personally responsible for obtaining Type Approval. Instead, the obligation rests primarily with manufacturers, importers, suppliers and businesses placing the devices on the market.
It added that devices already connected to Nigerian mobile networks before the new framework took effect had been automatically verified and would generally not require further action from their users.
Devices Covered by the New Framework
The enhanced compliance framework applies to a range of communications equipment designed to connect to Nigerian mobile networks.
These include smartphones, feature phones, cellular tablets, eligible Internet of Things (IoT) devices, SIM-enabled point-of-sale terminals, cellular laptops and other compatible equipment.
According to the NCC, devices that fail to meet applicable regulatory requirements could be denied access to Nigerian mobile networks.
The Commission also explained the difference between counterfeit and cloned phones. Counterfeit devices imitate genuine products without the original manufacturers’ authorisation, while cloned devices use IMEI numbers assigned to other legitimate devices.
However, it cautioned that an unsuccessful verification result does not automatically mean a device is counterfeit. Consumers were advised to contact sellers and resolve any outstanding verification issues before completing a purchase.
NCC Addresses Privacy Concerns
The Commission also sought to reassure Nigerians about the privacy implications of the Device Checker system.
Ogoh said the framework was designed for device identification and regulatory verification rather than surveillance.
He explained that although the system uses device identification information, including IMEI numbers, it does not provide the Commission with access to users’ calls, text messages, photographs, contacts, financial information or other personal files.
The NCC further stated that the Device Checker does not track users’ physical locations or movements.
Earlier, the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Nneka Okoha, urged media organisations to increase public awareness of the service and other regulatory initiatives.
Okoha stressed that effective communication was necessary to ensure that regulatory policies achieved their intended objectives, particularly among consumers at the grassroots.
She encouraged journalists to provide accurate and balanced information to help Nigerians understand how the Device Checker works, its benefits and their responsibilities when purchasing communications equipment.
NCC Warns Against Verification Scams
The Commission warned consumers against fraudsters who might exploit the verification process to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
It urged Nigerians to use only the official *315# channel and the NCC website for device verification. Consumers were also advised never to disclose one-time verification codes to sellers, callers or other individuals.
The NCC clarified that international roaming with foreign SIM cards would not be affected by the framework.
Visitors who intend to use a Nigerian SIM card in a device that has never connected to a Nigerian network may use the device for up to 30 cumulative days within a one-year period without verification, according to the Commission’s guidance.
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 emphasised that the Commission was strengthening enforcement of an existing regulatory requirement rather than introducing an entirely new obligation.
The NCC called on manufacturers, importers, dealers, telecommunications service providers, consumer groups and media organisations to support public awareness 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 to support Nigeria’s digital economy.
