A phone that powers on and looks convincing still needs one more check before money changes hands: is it approved and verified for use on Nigerian mobile networks?
For Kosofe residents shopping for a new or second-hand handset, the Nigerian Communications Commission advises checking through *315# or its official Device Checker portal. The service also covers SIM-enabled equipment, including PoS terminals.
For a household replacing a phone or a trader buying a terminal, that check belongs before payment, while questions can still be settled with the seller.
Buyers may need the device’s 15-digit IMEI, available by dialling *#06#. The result should confirm both NCC approval and verification for network use. However, a successful check does not establish the condition of every component or the handset’s repair history.
What if the device fails the check?
An “unverified” result does not automatically mean the phone is counterfeit. Buyers should ask the seller to resolve it before paying. Existing owners should contact their seller or network provider, or call 315 for help. Devices confirmed as non-compliant can be refused network access.
The checks form part of the NCC’s Device Management System. The 6 October 2026 deadline concerned businesses registering existing device stock, rather than a general registration exercise for phone owners.
The NCC says phones connected to Nigerian networks before 7 October 2026 were automatically verified. Anyone encountering a verification restriction should follow official support instructions.
On privacy, the commission says the system uses device identifiers and may associate them with mobile numbers, but cannot access personal messages, photographs or files through Device Checker. Verification codes should never be disclosed to sellers or callers.
Before buying, inspect the phone, check its status and settle any verification problem before handing over your money.