Federal Government through NCC has started a new communication rule and many Nigerians don't know about it. If you are using a phone in Nigeria, you need to read this before your phone stops working.
*What Is The New NCC Rule?*
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has started enforcing what they call Type Approval and Device Management System (DMS). This system uses Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) to check every phone by its IMEI number.
The rule started on October 7, 2026. According to NCC, any phone or SIM-enabled device like MiFi, tablet, or POS that is not type-approved will not be allowed to work on Nigerian networks.
NCC has now partnered with Nigeria Customs Service to block fake and substandard phones at the border. This means such phones will be stopped before they enter market.
*Will Your Old Phone Be Blocked?*
No. NCC said over 131 million devices and 233 million subscribers were already captured before October 7. If your phone was working before that date, you are safe. You don't need to do anything.
*But If You Want To Buy New Phone, Do This First*
This is where the rule affects you. Before you buy any new phone now, you must check if it is approved.
How to check:
1. Dial _315# on any phone
2. Or visit http://www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker
3. Or call 315 toll free
4. Enter the IMEI number on the carton
NCC said you don't need to open the carton. The IMEI is written outside. If the result shows not approved, don't buy it.
NCC said new phones now have small verification fee of about N670 for normal phones and over N3700 for expensive phones. Importers will pay this but it may increase phone price.
*Is NCC Spying On Your Phone?*
Many people are asking if NCC will read messages or listen to calls. NCC said no. The system only checks IMEI, not your photos, bank apps, WhatsApp or calls.
*What House Of Reps Said*
House of Representatives has asked NCC to review the rule because small phone sellers say it will make phone expensive and original tokunbo phones may be blocked by mistake.
*What You Should Do Now*
If your phone is already working, relax. If you want to buy new phone in Abuja, Lagos or anywhere, check it first with _315# to avoid buying phone that will be blocked after 30 days.
Share this to your family group so they don't buy phone that will be blocked.
Do you want to check your IMEI? Drop it in comment, I will help you check.
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