The Nigerian Communications Commission has given an update on its technology-driven security measures, saying its Device Management System is now operational while a new system for strengthening mobile identity security is expected to go live in October.
The commission disclosed this in a communique issued after its 110th board meeting held recently in Abuja.
According to the NCC, its Device Management System is now live and will strengthen compliance with device approval requirements while helping to prevent the circulation of non-compliant mobile devices.
The system will also enable reported stolen phones to be blocked across Nigerian networks, making it more difficult for such devices to be used after they are reported missing.
The NCC board also disclosed that the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System, TIRMS, is scheduled to go live on October 1, 2026.
The system is designed to strengthen the management of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, and reduce risks linked to the misuse, reassignment and recycling of phone numbers.
The commission said the measure is particularly important as mobile numbers are increasingly connected to financial accounts, social media platforms and other digital services.
The NCC board said the deployment of both systems would be carried out in line with applicable laws, privacy requirements and data protection regulations while protecting consumers and supporting legitimate digital services.
On telecommunications infrastructure, the commission said 8,526 of the 12,179 coverage and capacity sites committed for deployment had been completed.
The figure represents about 70 per cent of the commitments and marks an increase from the approximately 5,000 sites reported at the previous board meeting.
The board also reviewed progress towards the zero-rating of educational platforms and content, an initiative aimed at improving students’ access to digital learning resources.
The NCC said the initiative, developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders, would be officially launched in September, with the service scheduled to go live on October 1.
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The board also considered plans to reposition the Digital Bridge Institute and develop a strategic roadmap to improve its relevance and long-term sustainability.
Meanwhile, the NCC expressed concern over the resurgence of call masking in the telecommunications industry, describing the practice as a threat to the integrity and security of the sector.
The commission maintained its zero-tolerance position on call masking, saying the practice could undermine legitimate telecommunications operations, distort industry revenues and cause economic losses.
The board resolved to work with security and law-enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders to identify, prevent and eliminate call masking activities.
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Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
