Register a phone
Register phones on the Commission's Device Management System
What the Device Management System is
The Nigerian Communications Commission (the Commission) now keeps a register of every phone allowed on Nigerian networks, called the Device Management System. A phone is identified by its IMEI number — the 15-digit number that appears when you dial *#06#. Most phones have two IMEI numbers, one for each SIM slot. If a phone's IMEI numbers are not on the register, the Commission sends a 30-day warning by text message, after which the phone can be cut off.
A person holding one phone registers it free by calling 315. Every phone sold in Nigeria is the seller's duty to register — the Commission's own words are that the duties “fall on the relevant businesses in the supply chain” — and only a company holding the Commission's Sales and Installation licence can register in bulk. TechTanks registers on behalf of dealers, importers and manufacturers.
I own a phone
Call 315. Read out your IMEI number. The Commission registers it free and confirms by text and email. You do not need us for one phone — but tell us who sold it to you.
For phone ownersI am a company
Stock in a shop, a shipment on its way, or a brand's whole channel. We register per IMEI number under our licence and return the certificate and the Commission's receipts.
Dealer Registration Importer Registration Manufacturer Programme
How it works — for a dealer
One shop, four hundred phones, six steps
The text messages start.
Customers come back to the shop: “Your device is not registered. You have 30 days.” The Commission's answer is that the seller is responsible for registering phones sold in Nigeria.
List the stock.
Send us IMEI numbers and model numbers — a spreadsheet, photographs of the boxes, or we scan the shelf. Most phones carry two numbers; both are listed.
We check Gate 1 — every model.
Each model against the Commission's Type Approval register. Unapproved models are flagged and routed to a Type Approval filing; nothing is charged for them.
One price, per IMEI number.
₦400 standard, ₦800 high-end, on top of the Commission's ₦670 or ₦3,700 — two lines on one invoice. Nothing is paid until the Gate 1 check is back.
Pay — then we upload.
Transfer or card. We register the batch under our licence on the Commission's own system and pay the Commission's fee on your behalf.
Certificate, receipts, tracking.
A confirmation list and the Commission's receipts within 48 hours; a tracking number by text; every customer can check *315# or the Commission's device checker.
Pricing
Our fee, per IMEI number
On top of the Commission's fee of ₦670 per IMEI number for standard phones and ₦3,700 for high-end, which is passed through at cost. Before value-added tax. A phone with two IMEI numbers is registered twice.
| Customer | Standard | High-end | Fixed fees | Promise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phone owner (one phone) | Free — call 315 | Free — call 315 | none | The Commission's |
| Dealer Registration (stock in Nigeria, 50+ IMEI numbers) | ₦400 | ₦800 | none; minimum invoice ₦25,000 | 48 hours |
| Importer Registration (one shipment, before customs) | $0.50 | $1.00 | $150 per shipment certificate | 48 hours |
| Manufacturer Programme (a brand's whole channel) | $0.35 | $0.75 | $3,000 a month + $150 per shipment | 24 hours, pre-arrival |
Dollar prices are invoiced in naira at a named rate.
Who we are
A named Nigerian company
TechTanks Solutions Nigeria Limited (RC 1700639), No. 5 Siraso Close, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja. Sales and Installation licence number [once issued]. 24 Type Approvals are on the Commission's register in our name. Registration is delivered with Telgenix Global Services Ltd.
Frequently asked questions
I got the text. What do I do?
Call 315. Read out your IMEI number (dial *#06# to see it). The Commission raises a ticket and tells you by text and email when the phone is registered. It is free, and the line is open almost round the clock. You do not need us for one phone.
What is the difference between Type Approval and registration?
Type Approval is the Commission's certificate for a model of phone, done once by the manufacturer or an agent. Registration puts one phone's IMEI numbers on the Device Management System. A phone cannot be registered unless its model is Type Approved.
I sell phones. Can my customers just call 315?
They can, one phone at a time, and many will. But the Commission says the duty to register phones sold in Nigeria is the seller's, and 315 does not register a shop's stock. Dealer Registration does.
Why do you charge per IMEI number and not per phone?
The Commission's fee is per IMEI number. Most phones have two, so a phone with two IMEI numbers is registered twice.
Do you need receipts or National Identification Numbers?
No. For a dealer we need the list of IMEI numbers and model numbers. We never ask an individual for a National Identification Number, a receipt or bank details.
What if a model is not Type Approved?
We tell you, and nothing is charged for those phones. The manufacturer or an importer must apply for Type Approval first — see our Type Approval service.
How do I know this is not a scam?
The Commission has warned against unverified third-party registration sites. We never charge individuals — we send them to 315. We are a named Nigerian company with a registered office in Abuja, 24 Type Approvals on the Commission's own register, and a Sales and Installation licence [number to follow]. You can check any phone yourself at ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker.