NCC is registering phones by IMEI. Learn how to find your IMEI, check its status, and avoid a blocked or unapproved phone in Nigeria.
Quick answer: dial *#06# to see your IMEI, then check it through the official NCC channel [insert the verified link from ncc.gov.ng]. Do this before you buy any used phone.
What is happening?
The NCC launched the first phase of a central registration and authentication system for SIM-enabled devices on September 9, 2026. The system keeps a registry of IMEI numbers, and phones reported stolen can be blocked on every Nigerian network, even if the thief changes the SIM card.
Will my phone be blocked?
Reports say the first phase focuses on devices currently in stock, and on registering devices imported in future. The deadline for dealers and importers to upload their existing stock was extended to October 6, 2026.
Step 1: Find your IMEI
- Open the phone app and dial
*#06#. - Or go to Settings → About (on iPhone: Settings → General → About).
- Phones with two SIM slots show two IMEIs. Write down both.
Step 2: Check the status
Use only the official NCC link. Other portals may be unofficial, and you should never enter your IMEI, phone number, and payment details on a site you can’t verify. [Add a screenshot of the official check page.]
Step 3: If the phone shows as blocked
- Contact the seller if you just bought it.
- If it is yours and was reported stolen, ask your network or the NCC how to clear it.
- Do not buy a phone that is blacklisted.
Buying a used phone: 6-point checklist
- Dial
*#06#and compare the IMEI with the box and Settings. - Check the IMEI status before paying.
- Ask for the receipt and the seller’s real name and number.
- Meet in a public place, such as a shop.
- Test calls, camera, charging, and network.
- Don’t pay until the phone is checked.
Privacy
The NCC says the registry holds identification data like IMEI numbers and does not give access to your messages, calls, or personal data.
FAQ
What is an IMEI? A unique number that identifies your phone.
Does changing my SIM unblock a phone? No. A blocked IMEI stays blocked.
Can I check before buying a used phone? Yes, and you should.
