The House expressed concern that the cost and complexity of complying with the requirements could increase the financial burden on importers and retailers, with consumers likely to bear the consequences through higher prices.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by a Kano lawmaker, Sani Wakili, urging the NCC to review the implementation of its device verification framework in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The framework, operated through the Device Management System and the Central Equipment Identity Register, is designed to identify and verify mobile phones and other SIM-enabled devices using their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers.
Lawmakers noted that the enhanced verification requirements, which took effect on October 7, 2026, impose additional compliance obligations on newly imported devices, potentially raising operating costs for importers and retailers.
They warned that businesses could transfer the additional costs to consumers, making mobile phones less affordable, particularly for low-income Nigerians who rely on the devices for communication, education and business activities.
The House also raised concerns that technical errors, database mismatches and limitations in the NCC’s scanning and verification systems could result in legitimate mobile phones being wrongly rejected or blocked.
According to the lawmakers, such challenges could create difficulties for lawful users and businesses, particularly in the second-hand phone market, where many Nigerians depend on cheaper devices.
While acknowledging the NCC’s efforts to combat counterfeit, cloned and stolen mobile phones, the House stressed the need to ensure that enforcement measures do not unfairly penalise legitimate businesses or restrict access to affordable communication devices.
Consequently, the House urged the commission to review the implementation of the framework, simplify verification procedures and reduce compliance costs.
It also called for a fair and accessible verification process for used and second-hand phones to prevent legitimate devices from being wrongly rejected or blocked.
To further examine the policy, the House mandated its Committees on Communications and Commerce to engage the NCC and other relevant stakeholders on the implementation of the requirements and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
The Committee on Legislative Compliance was also mandated to monitor compliance with the resolution.
The proposed review comes against the backdrop of the growing importance of mobile phones to Nigeria’s economic and social activities. Beyond calls and messaging, mobile devices provide access to digital banking, online learning, e-commerce and other essential services.
For many Nigerians, second-hand phones remain a cheaper alternative to new devices. The wrongful rejection of such phones could therefore affect consumers and traders whose livelihoods depend on the resale market.
The House’s intervention seeks to ensure that the NCC’s device verification measures achieve their security objectives without imposing unnecessary costs, disrupting legitimate businesses or denying Nigerians access to affordable mobile phones.
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