The Nigerian Communications Commission has announced the introduction of a Device Management System (DMS) aimed at bolstering security and protecting consumers in the country’s mobile device market.
It said the DMS will serve as a comprehensive Central Equipment Identity Register, creating a unified database for tracking and monitoring mobile devices across all network operators in Nigeria.
The new regulation, outlined in the ‘Type Approval Business Rule 2024’, aims to prevent phone theft, curb the use of counterfeit devices, and ensure compliance with established standards.
All mobile network operators are required to connect to the DMS and mirror network-related policies configured by the NCC, ensuring a uniform approach to device regulation.
This move is expected to significantly improve the security and integrity of Nigeria’s communication networks, protecting consumers and promoting a safer mobile ecosystem.
“NCC-DMS shall acquire the International Mobile Equipment Identity of all devices latching to the communication network and synchronize with international databases of IMEI repositories. NCC-DMS shall maintain a registry of all communication devices available in the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the commission noted in the new rule.
