The House of Representatives has called for a review of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) phone verification rules amid fears that the policy could raise handset prices and lead to legitimate devices being blocked.

Lawmakers warned that compliance costs could burden importers and retailers, who might transfer the additional expenses to consumers, making mobile phones less affordable.

The House adopted the resolution following a motion sponsored by Sani Wakili, a member representing Kano State, who urged the commission to review the implementation of its verification framework in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

The lawmakers expressed concern that the enhanced requirements, which took effect on October 7, 2026, could increase operating costs for businesses involved in importing and selling mobile phones.

They also warned that technical errors, database mismatches and limitations in the verification system could result in legitimate devices being wrongly rejected or blocked.

According to the House, such problems could particularly affect the second-hand phone market, where many Nigerians depend on used devices as a cheaper alternative to new handsets.

The lawmakers acknowledged the NCC’s efforts to combat counterfeit, cloned and stolen devices but stressed that enforcement should not unfairly penalise legitimate businesses or restrict access to affordable phones.

The House consequently urged the commission to simplify verification procedures, reduce compliance costs and establish a fair and accessible process for verifying used and second-hand devices.

It also mandated its Committees on Communications and Commerce to engage the NCC and other relevant stakeholders on the implementation of the requirements.

The committees are expected to report back within four weeks for further legislative action. The House further directed its Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor adherence to the resolution.

The NCC’s framework uses the Device Management System and the Central Equipment Identity Register to identify and verify mobile phones through their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers.

The proposed review follows concerns raised by phone traders over charges associated with the verification policy.

The Association of Mobile Phones and Allied Products Traders of Nigeria (AMPAT) has called for a 90-day suspension, warning that the fees could increase handset prices and threaten jobs in the sector.