The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a technology-enabled framework aimed at identifying non-compliant and illegally imported communication devices before they become widely used in Nigeria.

The initiative will allow the regulator to electronically determine whether SIM-enabled devices meet its Type Approval requirements through the Device Management System (DMS).

The NCC said the system will improve regulatory oversight of the country’s device market while helping to identify devices that do not meet applicable technical and regulatory standards.

The commission announced the development in a press release dated September 9, 2026.

How the new device system will work

Under Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, licensed service and facilities providers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers are required to obtain Type Approval from the NCC before communications equipment can be sold or used in Nigeria.

The new DMS will serve as the technology platform for automating aspects of that compliance process.

The NCC said the system will maintain a central registry of SIM-enabled communications devices and their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers.

According to the commission, devices brought into Nigeria must be registered before they are sold.

“Devices that are not duly registered will not be permitted to operate on Nigerian networks.”

The development means manufacturers, importers and suppliers will face greater scrutiny over the devices they bring into the Nigerian market.

What it means for mobile phone users

The NCC said the framework is not intended to give the regulator access to the content of people’s phones or their private communications.

Engr. Edogemi Ogoh, the NCC’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, said the platform is designed for device identification and Type Approval compliance.

He said the system will hold device identification information, including IMEI numbers, but will not give the commission access to users’ device content.

“Beyond improving Type Approval compliance, the technology will help address some of the wider challenges associated with the device market. Illegally imported and non-compliant devices will be easier to identify, while devices reported stolen can be blocked from use across Nigerian mobile networks.”

The NCC said the system will therefore have implications beyond regulatory compliance, particularly in tackling devices that enter the country outside approved channels.

Central register of device IMEI numbers

The Type Approval Business Rules issued by the NCC in August 2024 provided the regulatory framework for establishing a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR).

According to Ogoh, the CEIR will maintain a registry of SIM-enabled communications devices in Nigeria.

“Following the issuance of the Rules, the Commission commenced extensive stakeholder engagements and market studies, which informed the eventual design and deployment of the system.”

He added:

“By establishing a central registry of the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of devices in Nigeria, the Commission will be better positioned to ensure effective and efficient compliance with its Type Approval requirements and to ensure that devices imported into, sold and used in Nigeria meet the applicable standards.”

The system is expected to give the regulator greater visibility over devices entering and operating in the Nigerian telecommunications ecosystem.

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Existing stock also covered

The NCC said the first phase of implementation has already begun.

The commission is working with the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), importers and relevant market associations as part of the rollout.

The initial phase will focus on onboarding devices currently held in stock.

Going forward, devices imported into Nigeria will be expected to be appropriately registered and authenticated, the NCC said.

The commission said this would provide a more effective way of identifying non-compliant and illegally imported devices before they enter widespread use.

NCC says network performance could improve

The regulator also linked the system to wider efforts to improve the integrity and performance of Nigeria’s communications networks.

According to the NCC, stronger compliance could help reduce the presence of devices that do not meet applicable technical standards.

The commission said the initiative would also facilitate the identification of non-compliant devices and strengthen consumer confidence in devices sold and used in Nigeria.

What happens to stolen devices?

One significant feature highlighted by the NCC is the possibility of blocking devices reported stolen.

The commission said devices reported as stolen can be identified through the system and blocked from use across Nigerian mobile networks.

This could make the IMEI registry an additional tool for dealing with stolen mobile devices, although the effectiveness of such measures will depend on accurate device registration and reporting.

The NCC has also sought to address privacy concerns surrounding the initiative.

Ogoh said:

“With the deployment of this system, all SIM-enabled communications devices brought into the country must be registered before they are sold. Devices that are not duly registered will not be permitted to operate on Nigerian networks.”

He further assured the public that:

“The platform is designed solely to support device identification and Type Approval compliance. It maintains device identification information, including IMEI numbers, and does not provide the Commission with access to the content of users’ devices, nor does it enable the Commission to monitor personal communications.”

What consumers should watch for

For consumers, the development makes the source and regulatory status of a mobile device increasingly important when making a purchase.

The NCC’s position is that devices entering the Nigerian market must meet its Type Approval requirements and be properly registered.

The commission said the framework is being implemented with industry stakeholders, with the first phase covering devices already in stock before the system is applied to future imports.

NigeriaUpdates will continue to monitor the rollout and any further guidance issued by the NCC on how consumers, retailers and importers will be affected.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) is seeking a strategic partnership with the Chinese Consulate in Lagos to explore the use of advanced technology in managing traffic across the state.

LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, led a delegation of senior officials to the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, where they held discussions with the Consul General, Yan Yuqing.

The meeting focused on intelligent transportation systems, traffic data management, road safety, surveillance and other technology-based approaches to urban mobility.

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Why LASTMA is looking to technology

Lagos faces persistent pressure on its road network as its population, vehicle numbers and commercial activities continue to grow.

Bakare-Oki said the scale of the state’s mobility challenges required a more technology-driven approach to traffic management.

He identified real-time traffic monitoring, smart surveillance, artificial intelligence, data-driven enforcement and automated incident detection among the technologies LASTMA is considering.

The agency said such systems could improve its ability to monitor traffic, respond to incidents and enforce road regulations.

What China could bring to the partnership

Bakare-Oki said a partnership with relevant Chinese institutions could give LASTMA access to international expertise, technological knowledge and solutions that have been tested in other urban environments.

He said LASTMA would seek to adapt such innovations to the specific needs of Lagos rather than simply replicate systems used elsewhere.

The agency also stressed the importance of training its personnel to operate and manage advanced traffic technologies.

Yuqing welcomed the visit and said there was scope for deeper institutional and professional exchanges between relevant authorities and stakeholders in Lagos and China.

The discussions covered intelligent transportation systems, traffic data, road safety, capacity building, operational efficiency and possible responses to urban mobility challenges.

What the plan could mean for Lagos

If the proposed collaboration progresses, technology could play a larger role in how traffic incidents are detected, monitored and managed across Lagos.

However, the visit represents the beginning of discussions rather than the announcement of a concluded technology deployment deal.

LASTMA did not disclose specific Chinese technology companies involved, the cost of any proposed system, a procurement timeline or when any new technology could be deployed.

The agency said it remains interested in partnerships that could contribute to safer roads, improved traffic flow and faster incident response.

The LASTMA delegation included Akeem Adeosun, Jimmy Awoyemi, Jubril Oshodi, Folake Ayeni, Afe Babalola, Akinpelu Ayuba, Mohammed Giwa and Adebayo Taofiq.

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a woman accused of circulating a fake notice claiming that digital payments company OPay was shutting down its operations.

The suspect, identified as Hafsat Abubakar, was arrested on 4 September 2026 by operatives of the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), following a digital investigation into the widely circulated message.

Police said three Apple mobile phones were recovered from her as exhibits.

How the false OPay notice spread

According to the police, the notice was designed to look like an official corporate communication from OPay Digital Services Limited.

It reportedly carried the company’s logo, branding, name and a purported management signature, while falsely announcing that OPay was ending its operations.

The NPF-NCCC said the message had the potential to mislead customers and create unnecessary concern about the company’s services.

Investigators began digital forensic analysis and online tracing after the notice circulated on social media.

The investigation allegedly linked the publication to the X account @HAIFAH_ER_ABBA, which police said was connected to Abubakar.

The suspect was also accused of sharing the notice through another X account, @CUTE_HAFSERH, where she tagged social-media influencers and wrote: “REMOVE YOUR MONEY NOW.”

Police said Abubakar told investigators that she obtained the notice from a WhatsApp status.

The post reportedly attracted about 572,000 views within minutes.

“REMOVE YOUR MONEY NOW.”

Why the fake notice matters

False information involving financial institutions can spread rapidly online because customers may act on it before checking whether the information is genuine.

A message claiming that a major digital payment platform is shutting down could potentially trigger panic among users and encourage them to make unnecessary withdrawals or other financial decisions.

The police have not said whether the false notice caused any financial losses.

They also have not disclosed who originally created the document or whether Abubakar was involved in its production.

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Police investigation continues

The NPF-NCCC said the investigation is continuing to establish how the notice was created and circulated.

It is also seeking to identify any other people who may have been involved.

The police said Abubakar and anyone else found culpable would be charged to court after the investigation is completed.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the cybercrime centre’s operatives for tracing the publication and making the arrest.

He reaffirmed the police commitment to tackling cybercrime, digital fraud, impersonation and the spread of false information through online platforms.

Police warning to social media users

The Force advised members of the public not to rely solely on social media posts when making decisions about financial services.

It urged customers to verify claims through the official communication channels of the institution concerned and report suspicious online activity to law-enforcement authorities.

The police statement was signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on 10 September 2026.

What OPay users should do

The police did not announce any shutdown of OPay in the statement. The allegation under investigation concerns the circulation of a false notice claiming that the company was shutting down.

Customers who encounter similar claims should check the company’s verified communication channels before taking action.