How to identify authentic phones for Nigerian networks –NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is urging Nigerians to verify mobile phones before purchasing them to ensure compatibility with local networks. The commission advises buyers to utilize its device checker code, *315#, or check the status on their website to confirm if a phone has obtained type approval and has been verified for use on Nigerian mobile networks.

NCC Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Eduyemi Ogoh, emphasized the importance of this check, particularly for those purchasing second-hand phones or devices imported from abroad. He advised consumers to dial *315# and verify the phone's status before completing a purchase. The NCC introduced this checker as part of its statutory responsibility under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 to protect consumers and address complaints about poor network service linked to mobile devices.

Ogoh stated that the purpose is to ensure that all devices entering the country are genuine and function correctly. Consumers should feel assured they are investing in authentic devices rather than counterfeit or imitation products. To verify a phone's status, buyers can dial *315# and follow the prompts to input the device's International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), a unique identifier assigned to each mobile device.

This check can be performed before payment, even by asking the seller for the IMEI. Not all devices that fail the check are counterfeit; type approval involves laboratory testing of a phone model to confirm it meets applicable standards and can operate properly on Nigerian networks. Verification marks a device as registered on the NCC's device checker system using its IMEI.

Type approval is a one-time process per model, handled by manufacturers, vendors, or importers, not by consumers. This enhanced compliance process will apply to devices brought into the country starting October 7. Devices operational on Nigerian networks at midnight on October 6 have already been onboarded and verified, with the NCC registering approximately 231 million such devices.

Ogoh assured consumers that the checker uses only the IMEI to verify devices and does not access users' calls, contacts, messages, or stored information, alleviating privacy concerns. Consumers can address any issues with the device checker by dialing 315 or contacting the NCC's consumer complaint line at 622.