Nigerians do not need to take any action to verify mobile phones already connected to local networks under the Nigerian Communications Commission’s new device compliance policy.
The NCC says phones connected to Nigerian networks before the policy took effect on October 7, 2026, have been automatically verified.
“Any phone already connected to a Nigerian network before the system takes effect has been automatically verified, with no action needed from you,” the commission said in a statement.
The policy is aimed at preventing counterfeit, cloned and unapproved devices from operating on Nigerian mobile networks.
The NCC’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Edoyemi Ogoh, said the system would protect consumers and improve the quality of telecommunications services.
The commission estimates that about 231 million devices have already been registered, meaning their users do not need additional verification.
For new purchases, the NCC has introduced a Device Checker service that allows buyers to confirm whether a phone meets its requirements.
Consumers can dial *315# or visit the NCC’s official Device Checker website to check a device before buying it, particularly second hand phones and devices imported from abroad.
The commission warned buyers not to assume a phone is compliant simply because it previously worked on a Nigerian network.
However, it stressed that a failed verification does not automatically mean a device is counterfeit. Buyers are advised to seek clarification from sellers before completing a purchase.
The policy covers smartphones, feature phones, cellular tablets and other devices that connect to Nigerian mobile networks.
The NCC also assured users that the system cannot access their personal messages, photographs or other files.
It said the policy reinforces existing regulatory requirements under the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 and related regulations.
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