NCC Urges Nigerians to Verify Phones Using *315#

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued guidance for Nigerians to verify mobile phones before purchase to ensure they are approved for use on the country's telecommunications networks. Eduyemi Ogoh, the NCC’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, stated that prospective buyers should dial *315# or use the device checker on the NCC's website.

This verification process is particularly important for second-hand phones or devices imported from abroad. Ogoh emphasized that the initiative aims to protect consumers from counterfeit devices and improve network performance.

He explained that buyers must submit the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) to check a phone's registration status. While a failed verification does not necessarily indicate a counterfeit device, it highlights the importance of type approval, which is conducted once per phone model.

The enhanced compliance process applies to devices brought into Nigeria from October 7, while phones connected to networks before October 6 have been verified.