NCC to Disconnect Unapproved Phones in Nigeria Soon

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is preparing to disconnect mobile phones that lack its type approval from telecommunications networks in Nigeria. Users across the country have begun receiving warning messages indicating potential disconnection after 30 days.

This initiative is part of the NCC's Device Management System (DMS), which aims to identify devices operating on Nigerian networks and restrict those that do not meet required technical standards. An NCC official stated that the exercise is not targeted at any specific brand but seeks to ensure all devices connecting to networks have the necessary approval.

The DMS will enhance existing SIM registration measures by introducing device-level monitoring. Users, including owners of various smartphone models, have reported receiving alerts about their devices.

The NCC plans to establish a registration process for those who legitimately acquired phones abroad or through private transactions and will provide details on this process soon. Media briefings are also planned to explain the enforcement framework before the DMS is fully deployed.