House Of Reps Raises Alarm Over NCC Phone Policy, Warns Nigerians May Pay More

The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to review its mobile phone verification policy amid concerns that the requirements could increase phone prices and lead to the wrongful blocking of genuine devices.

The lawmakers warned that the cost of complying with the policy could place additional financial pressure on small-scale importers and retailers, forcing them to transfer the expenses to consumers and making mobile phones less affordable for Nigerians.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the resolution followed a motion sponsored by Sani Wakili, a lawmaker representing a constituency in Kano State, who urged the commission to reconsider the implementation of its device verification framework in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

The policy operates through the Device Management System and the Central Equipment Identity Register, which use International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers to identify and verify mobile phones and other devices capable of connecting to telecommunications networks.

The House expressed concern that enhanced verification requirements, which took effect on October 7, 2026, could increase operating expenses for businesses involved in importing mobile devices.

According to the lawmakers, the additional costs could eventually be passed on to consumers, particularly low-income earners who depend on mobile phones for communication, education, business transactions and other daily activities.

The legislators also warned that technical faults, inconsistencies in databases and limitations in scanning and verification systems could result in genuine mobile phones being mistakenly rejected or blocked.

They noted that such errors could affect legitimate device owners and businesses, especially those operating in the second-hand phone market, where many Nigerians rely on used devices because they are more affordable than brand-new alternatives.

While acknowledging the NCC’s efforts to combat counterfeit, cloned and stolen mobile phones, the House maintained that enforcement measures should be implemented in a manner that protects legitimate businesses and preserves public access to affordable devices.

The lawmakers urged the commission to simplify its verification procedures, minimise compliance costs and introduce an accessible system for checking used phones to prevent genuine devices from being wrongly blocked.

To advance the matter, the House directed its Committees on Communications and Commerce to engage the NCC and other relevant stakeholders and submit their findings within four weeks for further legislative action.

The Committee on Legislative Compliance was also assigned to monitor the implementation of the resolution as lawmakers seek to balance efforts to tackle mobile device-related fraud with the need to protect consumers and businesses.