The black market for stolen phones affects both security and economic growth. It fuels crime, including phone theft and trafficking, making it harder for law enforcement to control. Additionally, the sale of stolen devices hampers the growth of the legitimate electronics market and discourages formal investments. 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced the Device Management System (NCC-DMS), a comprehensive Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) aimed at managing and regulating mobile devices across Nigeria's communication networks. This new system is part of the Commission’s efforts to enhance mobile security, regulate device compliance, and prevent fraud.

The NCC mandates all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to connect to the NCC-DMS, its latest 2024 Type Approval Business Rule released in August reveals. The system will serve as a central database to track mobile devices, helping to combat the use of unapproved devices, reduce phone theft, and curb fraudulent activities involving mobile devices.

The NCC-DMS will collect International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers from all devices connecting to Nigerian networks, synchronizing them with international databases to ensure compliance. Mobile devices that do not meet NCC standards will be blocked, ensuring that counterfeit or illegal devices are phased out of the market.

Additionally, individuals will be required to register their devices on the system, with limits imposed on the number of devices allowed. Device suppliers will also be responsible for registering approved devices, ensuring compliance across the board.

The Sun newspaper uncovered in 2018 that large numbers of used iPhones from the UK were being sold for as much as £560 in Lagos, Nigeria. These phones were mainly stolen and shipped to Nigeria. The thriving black market for stolen phones is driven by increasing demand in Nigeria. With reported stolen IMEIs blacklisted across all networks, stolen devices will be rendered unusable, deterring phone snatching and related crimes.

The NCC expects the platform to foster greater transparency in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, improving device regulation and ensuring a safer communication infrastructure for the country.

Hikmatu Bilali