The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to review the implementation of its mobile phone verification requirements amid concerns that the policy could raise handset prices and disrupt the second-hand phone market.

The resolution followed a motion moved by Sani Wakili, a member of the House representing a constituency in Kano State, who urged the commission to reconsider the framework in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

The lawmakers said the enhanced verification requirements, which took effect on October 7, 2026, imposed additional compliance obligations on newly imported devices, potentially increasing operating costs for importers and retailers.

The House 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, banking and commercial activities.

It also raised concerns that technical errors, database mismatches and limitations in the verification system could result in genuine phones being wrongly rejected or blocked from accessing mobile networks.

According to the lawmakers, such problems could particularly affect the second-hand market, where many Nigerians purchase used devices as a more affordable alternative to new phones.

While acknowledging the NCC’s efforts to curb counterfeit, cloned and stolen devices, the House maintained that enforcement should not unfairly penalise legitimate businesses or restrict access to affordable communication equipment.

It therefore urged the commission to simplify verification procedures, reduce compliance costs and establish a fair, accessible process for checking used and second-hand phones.

The House directed its Committees on Communications and Commerce to engage the NCC and other relevant stakeholders and submit a report within four weeks for further legislative action. The Committee on Legislative Compliance was also assigned to monitor implementation of the resolution.

The NCC’s framework 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 SIM-enabled devices.

The commission says the system is intended to strengthen regulatory compliance, prevent non-compliant devices from accessing Nigerian networks and help tackle counterfeit and illegally duplicated equipment.

Under the requirements, manufacturers, importers and other businesses supplying devices to the Nigerian market are responsible for meeting applicable type-approval and verification obligations.

The NCC has also clarified that phones already connected to Nigerian networks before the system took effect were automatically verified and do not require users to take additional steps.

However, phone traders have expressed concern that verification charges could increase prices, particularly for lower-cost handsets. They have also called for greater transparency regarding the fees and the process through which they are imposed.

Industry stakeholders argue that although they support efforts to eliminate counterfeit and stolen phones, the cost of compliance should not undermine affordability or place excessive pressure on small businesses.

Mobile phones have become essential tools for digital banking, online learning, electronic commerce and access to public services, making affordability a significant concern for households and small enterprises.

The proposed review is expected to examine whether the current implementation adequately balances device security and regulatory compliance with consumer protection, market access and affordability.

The House said its intervention was intended to ensure that efforts to improve the integrity of Nigeria’s telecommunications system did not impose unnecessary costs or hardship on legitimate users and businesses.