Among Measures to protect Users of Mobile Phones and other Devices in the Country against theft and related Security Risks, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has introduced the Device Management System NCC-DMS, a Tracking Infrastructure.
The Device according to NCC, is aimed at providing a comprehensive Central Equipment Identity Register CEIR that will create a Unified Database for tracking and monitoring of Mobile Devices across all Network Operators in Nigeria.
The Regulation is outlined in the ‘Type Approval Business Rule 2024’ of the Commission and part of its Objectives include prevention of the theft of Mobile Phones and other Devices, curtail the use of Counterfeit Devices, and also ensure compliance with Established Standards.
The Commission says all Mobile Network Operators are by the Regulation required to connect to the DMS and mirror Network-related Policies configured by the NCC to ensure a uniform approach to Device Regulation.
Part of the Objectives of the Regulation include improving the Security and Integrity of the Country’s Communication Networks, by protecting Consumers and promoting a safer Mobile Ecosystem.
The Statement emphasised “To mitigate the use of stolen Phones for Crime, and facilitate blocking or tracing of stolen Mobile Phones and other Smart Devices.
“One of the means to achieve this is through the deployment of Device Management System,” says the Commission.
The Commission added that the objective first announced in 2021, is to enhance Transparency, Accountability, and National Security in the Telecommunications Sector and ensured the safe and efficient utilisation of Nigeria’s Communication Infrastructure.
“To curtail the Counterfeit Mobile Phone Market, discourage Mobile Phone theft, enhance National Security, protect Consumer Interest, increase Revenue Generation for the Government, and reduce the rate of Kidnapping.
“To this effect, NCC-DMS shall acquire the International Mobile Equipment Identity of all Devices latching to the Communication Network and synchronise with International Databases of IMEI Repositories.
“NCC-DMS shall maintain a Registry of all Communication Devices available in the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the Commission said.
A Device Registration Fee will be introduced by the Commission for the NCC-DMS, separate from existing Type Approval Fees.
The Fee according to NCC will be mandatory for all Registered Devices.
Credit NCC PR
