NCC sets 6 October deadline to onboard device stock onto Device Management System

Image: BalticServers.com / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Importers and manufacturers say the timeline is tight and question the appeal process for devices flagged for damaged IMEIs.

Jurisdiction NigeriaPractice Competition and Regulatory, Technology, Media and TelecomsSector Telecoms

The Nigerian Communications Commission has set 6 October 2026 as the deadline for original equipment manufacturers, importers, dealers and vendors to onboard existing device stock onto its Device Management System (DMS), after extending an earlier deadline following stakeholder requests. The NCC communicated the extension by email on 7 September 2026.

What the DMS does

The DMS is a registry of device identifiers (IMEIs) that allows the Commission and network operators to identify and block counterfeit, cloned or stolen devices. Devices not registered or whose IMEIs are invalid may be barred from networks. Similar systems operate in several countries to combat device theft, tax evasion on imports and substandard handsets.

Industry concerns

Industry sources told Nairametrics that the grace period may be insufficient for businesses with large volumes of IMEIs to upload, and that aspects of implementation remain unclear. One OEM source said there is no stated procedure to appeal where a device is flagged because its IMEI was damaged legitimately, for example by a software or repair fault. Another said shipments already dispatched would now be subject to the DMS, creating unplanned costs that could pass through to consumers. Stakeholders also questioned whether the platform can handle a surge of registrations close to the deadline.

Legal and commercial points

The DMS is made under the NCC’s powers under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 to regulate type approval and equipment. Businesses should confirm that devices in stock are registered by the deadline and keep evidence of submissions. Contracts with suppliers for devices in transit should allocate responsibility for registration and any resulting costs. Consumers and repairers affected by blocked devices will need a clear complaints and appeal route, which the Commission has not yet published; a device blocked without process could give rise to claims under consumer protection law.

Separately, TechCabal has reported industry concern that the registry could raise smartphone prices. The NCC has not indicated a further extension.