NCC Licenses Kano Phone Dealers

In Kano State, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has begun issuing licenses to device dealers as part of its Device Checker platform rollout, according to Engr. Ibrahim Ma'azu, the team leader for support services. Ma'azu clarified that the platform is not intended for surveillance purposes, but rather to reinforce type approval compliance, safeguard consumers, and uphold the authenticity of communication devices utilized on Nigerian networks.

He emphasized that with Nigeria's digital economy growing, it is crucial to ensure that devices connected to networks meet the required technical and regulatory standards. The NCC has made substantial progress, simplifying the licensing and regularization process, which permitted numerous device dealers in Kano to obtain licenses recently.

Furthermore, the commission has conducted stakeholder sensitization efforts in Lagos and other regions to enlighten importers and industry professionals about type approval prerequisites. To facilitate compliance, Ma'azu stated that the NCC has designed a user-friendly Device Checker application that enables authorized parties to scan International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and submit pertinent information to the platform.

Consumers can also verify the status of any device prior to purchase through the Device Checker portal on the NCC website by entering the device's IMEI. Ma'azu emphasized that the platform does not gather personal data, messages, photographs, contacts, financial details, or any private content saved on a device. He reaffirmed that the Device Checker platform is strictly for device identification and regulatory compliance verification, not surveillance.

He urged consumers to verify devices before purchase, buy from reputable and licensed sellers, and utilize the commission's online resources. Anyone with complaints or inquiries can contact the NCC via its toll-free 315 line.