ICT regulatory bodies in Nigeria have united to remove unapproved devices

A number of ICT industry regulatory bodies, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the Phone and Allied Dealers Association of Nigeria, have united in an effort to rid the broader market of unapproved telecommunications equipment.

The Vanguard reports that the agencies have initiated a clean-up of the sector, with particular attention to phone dealers in key areas such as Ikeja, GSM village and others, in order to remove what is described as ‘non type-approved’ devices or those not ratified  by the NCC.

Investigations have apparently revealed that both refurbished and unapproved phones dominate trade involving street traders as well as established formal dealers.

The publication raises the point that unapproved devices have been outlawed by the Commission because of health implications and the impact on quality of service.

The Director of Technical Standard and Network Integrity of NCC, Dr. B.M Sani is quoted as warning legitimate venture or operation wanting to trade within the country’s telecommunications market that they have to comply with both local and international standards governing equipment type approval.

Those who sell or install any communications equipment without first obtaining the NCC Type approval test certificate are liable to a fine or imprisonment or both.

Posted in: