Reps urge NCC to review phone verification rules over price

The House of Representatives has urged Nigeria's top telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to review its mobile phone device verification rules, citing concerns that the policy could lead to higher phone prices and harm legitimate used device markets. Lawmakers expressed worries that the verification framework, set to take effect on October 7, 2026, could impose burdensome compliance costs on small-scale importers and retailers, potentially resulting in increased prices for consumers.

The resolution followed a motion by Sani Wakili, a legislator from Kano, who called for a thorough review of the Device Management System and Central Equipment Identity Register, which are used to identify and verify mobile phones and SIM-enabled devices. The House noted that while the enhanced verification requirements aim to improve device identification and curb counterfeit devices, the policy could unintentionally penalize legitimate businesses and block lawful users, particularly those in the second-hand phone market.

The lawmakers emphasized that the verification process must be fair, accessible, and not unfairly disadvantage legitimate businesses or restrict access to affordable communication devices for low-income Nigerians who rely on mobile phones for various daily activities.