Nigerian Government to track mobile communication devices  

The Nigerian Government has announced Request For Qualification (RFQ) from prospective operators to operate under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement as it is firming up plans to track mobile communication devices in the country.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in a new notice on Wednesday 4, said “Bidders are to apply for deployment of “a single window Device Management System (DMS).

“The proposed DMS will provide a single control point for comprehensive device management for mobile communication devices in Nigeria.

“Specifically, the proposed DMS will support capabilities for tracking of mobile communication devices to eliminate fake and substandard devices, provide detailed statistical information for stakeholders use, and support the fight against cybercrime and insecurity.”

The Commission is requesting interested firms and/or consortium of firms to participate in the qualification process for the selection of a Private Sector Operator through a Competitive Bidding process for the “Deployment of a Device Management System (DMS).

Last year, the NCC announced government’s approval for the Revised National Policy for SIM Card Registration released May 11 triggering controversies with critics fearing that government was planning to ‘rig’ subscribers’ mobile devices.

Part of the newly approved policy states that: “implementation of a Centralized Equipment Identity and 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.”

Nigeria with over 184 million mobile subscribers is Africa’s largest telecom market, however this poses challenges to governments, regulators and operators amidst rising cases of kidnapping for ransom, stolen phones, and terrorism among others.

The Government believes that the deployment of DMS will help to curtail kidnappings, enhance national security; tame the counterfeit mobile phone market, discourage mobile phone theft, and ultimately, protect consumer interest.

The DMS will facilitate blocking or tracing of stolen mobile phones and other smart devices.

Confidence Okwuchi