The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has insisted that the Device Checker platform has come to stay, but assured that it does not access personal information, messages, photos, contacts, or financial data.

NCC urges consumers to understand its device-verification purpose, which is targeted at protecting the ecosystem. It stressed that device checker is not and will not be a surveillance tool.

NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, Thursday in Lagos, while providing more insights on the initiative, told journalists that Device Checker will strengthen the ecosystem, and not a tracker tool.

Maida, represented by Zonal Controller of the NCC Lagos office, Tunji Jomoh, said the platform’s purpose is limited to device identification and regulatory compliance verification.

He said it is designed to strengthen Type Approval compliance, protect consumers and safeguard the integrity of communications devices on Nigerian networks.

“As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, it is important that devices connected to our networks comply with established technical and regulatory standards,” he said.

The platform, he added, helps address the circulation of non-compliant, counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised devices in the market.

Maida said the Commission recently streamlined its licensing and regularisation process, enabling a significant number of device dealers in Kano State to obtain licences.

According to him, the NCC also held sensitisation engagements with importers and other industry participants in Lagos and other parts of the country to deepen awareness of Type Approval requirements and Device Checker obligations.

He said these steps have strengthened accountability across the device supply chain and improved regulatory compliance.

The Commission has also developed a Device Checker application that lets authorised stakeholders scan device IMEIs and upload the information directly to the platform.

Maida said consumers can verify a device’s status before purchase through the “Check Your Device” portal by entering the device’s IMEI number.

He said manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers can find their obligations in the Type Approval & Device Verification Guide here.

According to him, organisations seeking Equipment Type Approval can find application requirements on the Type Approval section of the NCC website.

He added that consumers with enquiries or complaints can call the NCC’s 315 toll-free line.

The EVC urged consumers to verify device status before buying and to patronise reputable, licensed dealers.

He also called on industry players to familiarise themselves with the Type Approval guide and ensure full compliance.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to “protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, strengthening network integrity, and fostering a trusted communications ecosystem for all Nigerians,” and thanked the media for helping to educate the public on the initiative.