NCC DISMISSES FEARS OVER DEVICE CHECKER AS REPS PLAN PHONE VERIFICATION REVIEW

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has dismissed concerns that its newly introduced Device Checker platform could compromise users' privacy or expose their personal information, insisting that the system is designed for device identification and regulatory compliance.

The commission explained that the platform does not provide access to users' private messages, photographs, contacts, financial information or other personal content stored on mobile phones. Instead, it uses device identification details, including International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, to verify compliance with equipment approval requirements.

The NCC said the initiative is intended to protect consumers and tackle the circulation of counterfeit, cloned, stolen and unauthorised communication devices in the Nigerian market.

However, the House of Representatives has called for a review of the implementation of the phone verification framework amid concerns that compliance costs could increase handset prices and make legitimate devices difficult to use.

Lawmakers raised concerns that additional requirements could place financial pressure on phone importers and retailers, with the possibility of increased costs being transferred to consumers. They also warned that technical errors and database mismatches could result in genuine devices, particularly second-hand phones, being wrongly rejected or blocked.

The House has urged the NCC to simplify verification procedures, reduce compliance costs and establish a fair process for checking used devices. Its relevant committees are expected to engage the commission and other stakeholders to examine the concerns surrounding the initiative.

The development highlights the challenge of balancing device security with consumer protection and affordability. While the NCC maintains that the platform is necessary to improve regulatory compliance, lawmakers want its implementation reviewed to prevent unnecessary hardship for phone users and legitimate businesses.

The outcome of the proposed review could shape how the verification policy is implemented and its impact on Nigeria's mobile phone market.