The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) urges people buying mobile phones to check the device’s verification status before paying. The NCC says buyers should dial *315# to confirm the phone is fully verified, or alternatively use the NCC’s online device checker to check whether the phone has received type approval and is registered for use in Nigeria.
Outlets report the guidance as part of the NCC’s efforts to help consumers avoid purchasing devices that are not properly authorized. While some sources emphasise the *315# USSD code and confirm “full verification” before payment, others focus on checking the phone’s IMEI/registration status and ensuring the handset is recognized by the NCC system.
Overall, the message is consistent across reports: prospective buyers should verify a phone’s NCC status—either via the USSD code or the website—before completing a purchase, to reduce the risk of buying unverified or potentially problematic devices.
