The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced enforcement of its Device Management System (DMS), sending warning alerts to users of mobile phones that do not meet Nigeria’s type-approval requirements.
The alerts, which began flooding users’ phones over the weekend of 10-11 October 2026, caution that affected devices could be disconnected from Nigerian telecommunications networks after 30 cumulative days.
Type-approval is a mandatory certification process managed by the NCC under Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
It ensures mobile devices function properly on local networks without causing dropped calls, poor service or signal interference, and protects users from counterfeit handsets that may pose health and safety risks.
An NCC official said the enforcement “is necessary” because some devices entering Nigeria had not gone through the required approval process.
The Commission has introduced the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code *315# to allow phone owners to verify whether their handsets have regulatory approval.
Affected users have been advised to dial 315 or contact their sellers for guidance.
Widespread Impact
Early warning notices have reached users of diverse brands, including Apple iPhones, Google Pixels, Tecno, Infinix and Oukitel devices.
One consumer reported that an Oukitel WP58 Pro 5G bought on a popular e-commerce platform was flagged, while another said an iPhone 17 Pro purchased in the United Kingdom (UK) was identified as non-compliant upon arrival in Nigeria.
The alerts have raised concerns among consumers who invested heavily in smartphones, particularly those who bought devices through local Nigerian retailers.
The NCC said the policy aims to curb counterfeit and substandard phones, reduce phone theft, stop cloned devices from being used in crimes, and improve service quality.
The system uses International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers to identify individual devices.
The Commission said it is preparing a registration process for people who legitimately acquired phones abroad or through private transactions, with details to be published in the coming days.
Media briefings are planned in Lagos and Abuja to explain the enforcement framework before full deployment.
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