The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to review the implementation of its mobile phone device verification requirements.
The resolution was consequent upon the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Sani Wakili.
Wakili expressed concerns that the policy could increase phone prices and lead to the wrongful rejection or blocking of legitimate used devices.
The lawmakers also expressed concern that the cost and complexity of complying with the requirements could place additional pressure on small-scale importers and retailers, with possible consequences for access to affordable mobile phones.
The framework, implemented through the Device Management System and the Central Equipment Identity Register, enables the identification and verification of mobile phones and other SIM-enabled devices using their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers.
The House noted that the enhanced verification requirements, which took effect on October 7, 2026, “Impose compliance obligations on newly imported devices and could increase operating costs for importers and retailers.”
It warned that the additional costs could be passed on to consumers “through higher prices, making mobile phones less affordable, particularly for low-income Nigerians who depend on them for communication, education and business.”
The lawmakers also raised concerns that technical errors, database mismatches and limitations in the commission’s scanning and verification systems could result in legitimate devices being rejected or blocked.
According to the House, “Such challenges may create difficulties for lawful users and businesses, particularly in the second-hand phone market, where many Nigerians purchase devices at lower prices.”
While acknowledging the NCC’s efforts to combat counterfeit, cloned and stolen devices, the lawmakers stressed that enforcement measures should not unfairly penalise legitimate businesses or deny Nigerians access to affordable communication devices.
In adopting the motion, the House urged the commission to review the implementation of the framework, simplify verification procedures and reduce compliance costs for importers and retailers.
The House also called on the NCC to establish a fair and accessible verification process for used and second-hand mobile phones to minimise the risk of legitimate devices being wrongly rejected or blocked.
To further examine the policy, the lawmakers mandated the House Committees on Communications and Commerce to engage the NCC and other relevant stakeholders on the implementation of the requirements and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
The Committee on Legislative Compliance was also directed to monitor compliance with the resolution.
