Nigerian mobile phone users have expressed concern following alerts from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) warning that unverified mobile devices could be disconnected from local networks after 30 cumulative days.
The notices are part of the commission’s planned Device Management System (DMS), an initiative designed to identify devices operating on Nigerian telecommunications networks without the required type approval.
A senior NCC official confirmed the planned enforcement, explaining that some mobile phones imported into the country had not undergone the mandatory approval process.
According to the official, the exercise is not targeted at any particular phone brand but is intended to ensure that devices connecting to Nigerian networks meet the commission’s technical and safety standards.
The alerts have reportedly affected users of several brands, including Apple, Google Pixel, Tecno, Infinix and Oukitel, raising concerns among consumers who purchased their devices both locally and abroad.
Some affected users said their phones were flagged despite being purchased through popular e-commerce platforms or from overseas retailers. The development has also raised questions about the responsibility of local sellers to ensure that devices sold to customers comply with NCC requirements.
Under Nigeria’s telecommunications regulations, type approval is required to ensure that mobile devices meet established technical standards and operate properly on local networks. The commission says the new system will extend regulatory checks beyond SIM registration to the devices themselves.
The NCC has advised recipients of the alerts to dial 315 or contact their sellers for further clarification. However, the warning does not mean affected phones will be disconnected immediately.
The commission is also reportedly developing a registration process to enable legitimate owners of imported devices to regularise their phones. Details of the procedure, including the requirements and online registration channels, are expected to be announced.
The planned enforcement could have significant implications for Nigeria’s smartphone market, where many consumers depend on independently imported devices, particularly models not officially sold in the country.
As uncertainty persists, consumers are awaiting further clarification from the NCC on how to verify their devices, resolve compliance issues and avoid possible service disruption.
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