NCC Assures Nigerians of Privacy Protection as Enhanced Device Type Approval Compliance Begins
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has assured Nigerians that its enhanced Type Approval Compliance framework for SIM-enabled communications devices is not a surveillance tool and will not give the Commission access to users’ private messages, photographs, contacts, financial information or other personal data stored on their devices.
The assurance was given by the NCC Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, during a news conference at the Commission’s Head Office Annex in Mbora, Abuja, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, where he explained the objectives, implementation and consumer benefits of the enhanced compliance initiative.
Ogoh said the framework was designed to strengthen regulatory oversight, identify non-compliant devices and ensure that communications equipment imported, sold and used in Nigeria meets established technical standards.
He explained that the initiative would support the electronic verification of the Type Approval status of SIM-enabled devices, thereby helping the Commission identify fake, cloned and other non-compliant equipment that could undermine network performance and consumer protection.
“The integrity of the telecommunications industry depends not only on network infrastructure but also on the quality, safety and compliance of the devices that access and are used on these networks,” he said.
According to him, Type Approval is a statutory requirement under Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which requires licensed service providers, facilities providers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers to obtain the Commission’s approval before communications equipment is sold or used in Nigeria.
He said compliance with the requirements would improve device compatibility with telecommunications infrastructure, enhance service quality and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Addressing concerns about privacy, Ogoh stressed that the framework would only retain device identification information, including International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, for regulatory compliance purposes.
“The compliance framework is designed solely to support device identification and Type Approval compliance,” he said, adding that it did not enable the Commission to monitor personal communications or access information stored on users’ devices.
He further assured consumers that their privacy would remain protected under applicable laws and regulatory requirements, noting that the initiative was intended to improve regulatory effectiveness rather than facilitate surveillance.
Ogoh disclosed that the Commission had undertaken stakeholder engagements, market studies and consultations across the device value chain following the issuance of its Type Approval Business Rules in August 2024.
He said the consultations involved original equipment manufacturers, importers, dealers, telecommunications service providers, government agencies and industry associations, whose contributions helped shape the implementation strategy.
The Commission has also worked with the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that devices already in stock are properly onboarded, while newly imported devices are verified and authenticated.
According to the director, these measures would provide a more effective mechanism for identifying non-compliant equipment and preventing such devices from connecting to Nigerian telecommunications networks.
He urged Nigerians to take an active role in the process by verifying the compliance status of devices before making purchases.
“When buying a phone, tablet, modem, POS terminal or any device that uses a SIM, before you pay, we encourage consumers to ask the seller if the device is NCC Type Approved,” Ogoh advised.
He added that non-compliant devices could pose challenges to network performance and complicate regulatory oversight, making effective compliance essential to maintaining reliable telecommunications services.
The NCC director also called on the media to support public awareness through accurate and balanced reporting, describing public understanding as fundamental to the success of the initiative.
“Public understanding is fundamental to regulatory success,” he said, urging journalists to help consumers make informed decisions and understand their responsibilities in ensuring that communications devices meet approved standards.
Ogoh reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency, stakeholder collaboration and sustained public sensitisation as implementation progresses.
He said strengthening Type Approval compliance was an important step towards protecting consumers, improving regulatory oversight and building a safer and more reliable telecommunications environment in Nigeria.
