Device importers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), dealers and vendors have raised concerns over the October 6, 2026 deadline set by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the onboarding of existing communications devices in stock onto its Device Management System (DMS).
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The concerns centre on whether the extended deadline provides sufficient time for businesses to register large volumes of devices, uncertainties surrounding some aspects of the implementation process, possible additional compliance costs and the capacity of the DMS platform to handle a surge in registrations as the deadline approaches.
The NCC had, in a September 7, 2026 communication to OEMs, importers, dealers and vendors, extended the deadline for onboarding existing devices in stock to October 6 following requests from industry stakeholders for additional time to complete the process.
However, some operators in the sector say the extension may still be inadequate, particularly for companies with substantial inventories and large numbers of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers to upload.
“The primary challenge is the duration of the grace period given. Stakeholders will need more time to complete the necessary registration, for those who are yet to do this, on the portal and upload the IMEIs requested,” an OEM source said.
Beyond the timeframe, stakeholders are also seeking clarification on what they described as grey areas in the implementation process.
One of the major concerns relates to devices that may be flagged by the system because their IMEI numbers were damaged or altered through legitimate circumstances, such as software problems or repairs.
“There is no stated procedure in appealing in situations where a device is flagged due to a damaged IMEI that was damaged legally. Take for instance, where a software or repair glitch causes the damage,” a source said.
Industry players fear that without a clearly defined appeal or review mechanism, legitimate devices could be affected, creating difficulties for businesses and consumers.
Importers have also raised concerns about the possible financial consequences for shipments already dispatched before the new onboarding requirement takes full effect.
One OEM representative said consignments already in transit could now be subjected to additional DMS compliance processes, potentially creating costs that were not factored into the original procurement arrangements.
“With the time frame given, shipments that have been dispatched will have to be subjected to the DMS, introducing unplanned financial burdens,” the stakeholder said.
The concern extends across the supply chain, with operators questioning whether additional compliance costs incurred by importers could ultimately be transferred to distributors, retailers and consumers.
The NCC’s latest communication did not spell out the possible financial implications for devices already in transit or clarify how such consignments would be treated under the new requirement.
Stakeholders have also raised questions about the technical capacity of the DMS platform to cope with a large number of simultaneous registrations.
They said a previous demonstration of the system by the NCC was not entirely seamless, although the Commission reportedly attributed the problem at the time to an ongoing system update.
That experience has heightened concerns about whether the platform can process large volumes of IMEI uploads if OEMs, importers, dealers and vendors attempt to complete registration close to the October 6 deadline.
Industry players fear that a concentration of submissions shortly before the deadline could place additional pressure on the system and potentially lead to delays or instability.
The DMS implementation is part of a regulatory process that has been under development for several years.
The NCC first announced plans to deploy the Device Management System in 2021, saying the initiative was intended to improve transparency and accountability in the telecommunications sector, enhance national security and ensure that communications infrastructure is used safely and efficiently.
In 2022, the Commission released an Information Memorandum on the DMS project as part of the implementation process.
By September 2024, the NCC said it had deployed the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), designed to manage and regulate mobile devices accessing telecommunications networks in Nigeria.
The Commission also mandated Mobile Network Operators under its Type Approval Business Rule 2024 to connect to the system.
According to the NCC, the DMS is intended to create a single regulatory platform for telecommunications devices and enable the Commission to identify devices that are illegitimate, substandard or otherwise not permitted to operate on Nigerian communications networks.
The system is also expected to support efforts to curb phone theft, fraudulent activities involving mobile devices and the use of unapproved equipment on telecommunications networks.
While industry stakeholders have generally acknowledged the regulatory objectives behind the DMS, they are asking the NCC for more time, clearer implementation procedures and assurances that the platform can handle large-scale onboarding without creating unnecessary disruption or additional costs.
With the October 6 deadline approaching, attention is now on whether the Commission will provide further clarification on disputed aspects of the process or make additional adjustments in response to the concerns raised by manufacturers, importers, dealers and vendors.
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