By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The Nigeria Communication Commissions (NCC) has explained why it is necessary for Nigerians to submit the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of their mobile devices to network providers.
It stated that the network providers will be required to cross-check all phones IMEI and status on a proposed Centralized Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) otherwise known as Device Management System (DMS) before allowing a device to become active on their network.
NCC made this directive on the Revised National Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration published by the Commission.
The directive claimed the move was to curtail the counterfeit mobile phone market, discourage mobile, phone theft, enhance National Security, protect consumer interest, and increase revenue generation for the government.
It also added that it will reduce rate of kidnapping, mitigate the use of stolen phones for crime, and facilitate blocking or tracing of stolen mobile phones and other smart devices.
“To achieve this, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would be responsible for the implementation and management of the DMS to achieve the policy objectives”.
“The implementation of a Centralized Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) otherwise known as Device Management System (DMS) will serve as a repository for keeping records of all registered mobile phones’ International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) and owners of such devices.
“IMEIs that have been reported as either stolen or illegal will be shared through the DMS to all the operators and service providers. The purpose is to ensure that such devices do not work even if different SIM Cards are inserted in those devices, ” the publication noted.
The Revised Policy publication also noted that President Muhammadu Buhari has directed “that the Device Management System should be implemented within three months.
This means any Nigerian who failed to comply will be unable to make calls, send text messages, or use the internet except through WiFi.
According to the Punch, DMS will also provide access to all operators to cross-check the IMEIs and their status before allowing a device to become active on their network.
