The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has urged Nigerians to confirm the standing of cell units earlier than buying them to protect in opposition to counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised units.
The Commission mentioned its Device Checker Platform was designed to strengthen compliance with technical requirements, shield shoppers and improve the integrity of communications units related to Nigerian networks.
The Zonal Controller of the NCC, who spoke at a information convention on the Commission’s zonal workplace on Thursday, mentioned the initiative would assist deal with the circulation of non-compliant units available in the market.
“As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, it is important that devices connected to our networks comply with established technical and regulatory standards,” the Controller mentioned.
The Controller disclosed that the Commission had made important progress in implementing the platform by way of licensing, regularisation and stakeholder sensitisation initiatives.
According to the Controller, the NCC had streamlined its licensing and regularisation course of, enabling a major variety of gadget sellers in Kano State to acquire licences.
The Commission additionally performed sensitisation engagements with importers and different trade stakeholders in Lagos and different elements of the nation to deepen consciousness of Type Approval necessities and obligations underneath the Device Checker framework.
To simplify compliance, the NCC developed a Device Checker utility that enables authorised stakeholders to scan the International Mobile Equipment Identity, IMEI, numbers of units and add data on to the platform.
The Controller mentioned the appliance was designed to enhance effectivity and make compliance simpler for stakeholders.
The Commission additionally supplied on-line sources to assist shoppers and trade members perceive the gadget verification course of.
Consumers can examine the standing of their units by way of the NCC’s Device Checker portal by coming into the gadget’s IMEI quantity, whereas producers, importers, distributors and sellers can entry the Type Approval and Device Verification Guide on the Commission’s web site.
The Controller, nevertheless, clarified that the platform was not supposed to watch customers’ personal actions.
“I would also like to emphasise that the Device Checker Platform is not a surveillance tool. It does not access personal data, messages, photographs, contacts, financial information, or any other private content stored on a device,” the Controller mentioned.
“Its purpose is limited to device identification and regulatory compliance verification,” the Controller added.
The Commission suggested shoppers to patronise respected and licensed sellers, confirm gadget standing earlier than buy and use its on-line sources to make knowledgeable buying selections.
It additionally urged producers, importers, distributors and sellers to familiarise themselves with the Type Approval and Device Verification Guide and guarantee full compliance with its necessities.
For enquiries, complaints or help, shoppers had been suggested to contact the NCC by way of its 315 shopper toll-free quantity.
The Commission reaffirmed its dedication to defending shoppers, selling honest competitors, strengthening community integrity and fostering a trusted communications ecosystem for Nigerians.
