The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has implemented a comprehensive Device Management System (NCC-DMS) designed to catalog and govern all mobile phones that connect to communication networks throughout Nigeria, according to a report by Nairametrics. This system is a key component of the NCC’s newly established “Type Approval Business Rule 2024,” which obligates all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the country, such as GLO, MTN, and Airtel, to integrate their network equipment with the DMS platform.
The primary objectives of the NCC in introducing this system are to bolster the management of mobile devices, enhance the overall security framework, and ensure that all devices meet the established regulatory standards. The DMS will function as a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), systematically recording the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of all mobile devices and aligning them with global IMEI databases.
Through this centralized registration method, the NCC will be able to supervise the devices operating on all network providers and confirm that only devices that have received official approval and meet compliance criteria are allowed to access Nigeria’s communication networks. Any device that fails to register with the DMS will be placed on a blacklist, rendering it inoperative within the Nigerian borders.
The deployment of the NCC-DMS is a strategic move to deter the use of unauthorized devices and to combat mobile phone theft and fraudulent activities. The system is designed to track and blacklist the IMEIs of stolen devices, which is expected to significantly reduce crimes related to mobile phones.
The NCC has indicated that by rendering stolen or illegal phones inoperable, the blacklisting process will decrease the prevalence of phone theft and snatching, as the value of such devices will plummet, making them less attractive targets for criminals.
Beyond device tracking, the NCC-DMS will also serve as a regulatory instrument, mandating that all MNOs synchronize their Equipment Identity Registers (EIRs) with the DMS. This synchronization process will enable the NCC to enforce consistent standards for device registration and regulation across all network operators in Nigeria.
The NCC has further mandated that device suppliers are responsible for ensuring that all type-approved devices are registered on the NCC-DMS. Additionally, individuals will be required to register their devices through the DMS, although there will be a limit on the number of devices that can be registered by a single individual, as specified by the Commission.
A registration fee will be charged for each device entered into the system, applicable to both consumers and suppliers. This fee is in addition to any existing type-approval fees and is intended to ensure that all devices sold or utilized within Nigeria are in compliance with NCC regulations.
The proposal for the NCC-DMS was first put forward by the NCC in 2021 as part of efforts to strengthen national security and increase transparency within the telecommunications sector in Nigeria. The implementation of this system is expected to not only curb mobile-related criminal activities but also protect consumer interests and enhance government revenue through the device registration process.