The Nigerian Communications Commission has warned mobile phone users that devices failing to meet regulatory requirements, especially NCC unapproved phones, could face restrictions after 30 cumulative days.
According to The Guardian, the warning follows notifications sent to some subscribers as the commission prepares to implement its Device Management System.
The proposed system will identify phones that have not received the necessary approval for operation on Nigerian telecommunications networks.
The NCC explained that the measure was not targeted at any specific mobile phone brand.
Instead, it seeks to address the circulation of unapproved and potentially substandard devices.
NCC explains possible phone restrictions
An official of the commission confirmed that the enforcement was necessary because some imported devices had entered the country without undergoing the required approval process.
“People who are buying or bringing non-type-approved devices into the country” would be affected, the official explained.
The notifications have reportedly reached users of different phone brands, including Apple, Google Pixel, Tecno and Infinix.
Some affected subscribers expressed concerns because they purchased their devices from recognised retailers or imported them for personal use.
The commission advised recipients of the warning messages to dial 315 or contact their phone sellers for assistance.
It also disclosed that a registration process was being developed to help legitimate owners regularise imported devices.
Further details are expected through public briefings in Lagos and Abuja.
The NCC clarified that the messages were warnings rather than confirmation of immediate disconnections.
The development highlights the importance of verifying device compliance when purchasing or importing smartphones into Nigeria.
