IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit international device identification code assigned by GSM Association to original manufacturers.

Registering your device ensures it is legally recognized on Nigerian mobile networks, protects you from using stolen or counterfeit devices, and secures your access to uninterrupted mobile services. It also supports national efforts to reduce fraud, enhance security, and ensure that only approved, compliant devices operate in the country.

No. IMEI codes of devices using roaming SIM cards (SIM cards of foreign telecommunication operators) do not require registration with the Device Management System on DMS.NG.

In case of loss or theft of the device, the user must submit a written statement to law enforcement agencies (Ministry of Internal Affairs of Nigeria) and provide the following information: the original box of the device, legally significant documents indicating the purchase or transfer of ownership of the specified device. If a stolen device is discovered, the user must notify law enforcement agencies (Ministry of Internal Affairs of Nigeria).

In order to find out the IMEI code(s) of your mobile device, you need to dial the combination *#06# from your phone. This code may also be found in the phone settings, or printed on the device packaging, included in the warranty certificate, or indicated on a sticker under the battery of some devices.

You can check the registration status of the IMEI code of your mobile device through one of the following methods:

• Go to the website www.dms.ng and enter the IMEI code in the search bar.
• Dial *xxxx# and follow the instructions.
• Through mobile applications of your telecom operator: MTN, Airtel, 9Mobile, Glo.

Users need to check the registration status of the IMEI code(s) of the mobile device before purchasing it within the Nigerian Republic. Device Registration status can be checked as follows:

• Visit the website www.dms.ng and enter the IMEI code in the search bar.
• Dial *xxxx#.

If the device is not registered, it is recommended to refrain from purchasing, as it will not work in the mobile networks of the Nigerian Republic.

If a device has two or more IMEI codes, this means that it supports multiple SIM cards and can be serviced by two or more telecom operators.

Attention: When registering a device imported for personal use, you must indicate all IMEI codes of your device in the online application. Payment for registration is made for a mobile device, based on the number of its IMEI codes.

During the period of automatic whitelisting, non-NCC approved mobile devices with counterfeit, null, homemade, stitched and cloned IMEI codes were registered in the DMS.NG system, subject to binding the device IMEI code(s) to the subscriber number.

As a result, subscribers using mobile devices with specified IMEI codes can use their devices as usual, only with the specific number that was linked to the device IMEI code during the automatic whitelisting period of devices.

If it is necessary to change the subscriber number associated with the IMEI code(s) of a mobile device, the IMEI code will work with the new subscriber number for 24 hours during which the subscriber will need to perform the NUMBER SWITCH function by dialing *xxxx# and following the instructions.

Please note that any device registered after the whitelisting period will be linked to up to five personal phone numbers, and only these numbers will be allowed to use the registered device during the first four months following registration.

Contact the identification operator at support@dms.ng or your mobile operator's call center through their regular support channels.

All mobile devices sold in Nigeria must be registered with the Device Management System (DMS) by individuals/legal entities engaged in business activities related to the sale of devices (importers) at the stage of importation of devices.

Before purchasing a device within the Republic of Nigeria, users must check the registration status of the device on www.dms.ng.

If the mobile device was imported through international postal or cargo shipments and/or brought by the user from abroad for personal use, then registration of the IMEI code(s) of such device should be carried out by the user on the website www.dms.ng, subject to the applicant providing the requested information.

Individuals bringing mobile devices with them while crossing the Nigerian borders, or purchasing them online from sources located outside Nigeria, are required to register their devices on the website www.dms.ng within 30 calendar days from the date of import of the devices. Registration is required only if a person plans to use a device with a SIM card of telecommunication operators of the Nigerian Republic.

Registration instructions:

• Click "Register my IMEI Code(s)".
• Select one of the following options: "Importing a device when crossing the borders of the Nigerian Republic" or "Purchasing a device online from sources located outside the Nigerian Republic".
• Fill in the required information: passport/ID number, photo of identity document, full name, email, phone number, IMEI code(s), device memory, personal numbers to be used with the device, date of entry into Nigeria.
• Provide supporting documents from tax or customs authorities (for online orders).
• Click "Submit" and wait for instructions.
• Pay for the registration service.

Registration of the IMEI code is carried out once, regardless of the change of SIM card.

After activating the SIM slot of the mobile device, the user is given 30 (thirty) cumulative days per year from the moment of the first activity (the first network event in the communication networks of the telecommunication operator of Nigeria), after which, in the absence of registration in the DMS access to the mobile communication network of the Nigerian Republic is limited.

30 cumulative days on the network means: when using the device in the communication network of a telecommunication operator in the territory of the Nigerian Republic for 7 calendar days in a row, followed by departure from the territory of Nigeria for 2 months, and return to the territory of Nigeria while staying on the territory of Nigeria and using the same device for 20 continuous calendar days from the date of re-arrival, the period of total active days of use will be 27 days.

Any SIM-enabled device (smartphone or push-button telephone or other devices that are SIM compatible) must be registered into the Device Management System through the website www.dms.ng.

Registration of devices imported by individuals into Nigeria for personal use is allowed within 30 calendar days from the date of importation. The date of import means:

• If the device was imported by the user from abroad for personal use, the date of import will be considered the date of entry into the Nigerian Republic.
• If the device was purchased online from a source in countries located outside Nigeria, the date of import will be considered the date of receipt of the device.

A child may register a device in their own name if they are eligible to obtain a local SIM card from any Nigerian Mobile Network Operator. Otherwise, the device's IMEI Code(s) can be registered using the identification documents of a parent or legal guardian.

In accordance with current legislation, re-registration is not required when selling a mobile device. Registration of the IMEI code(s) of a device is carried out once, regardless of the subscriber number used on it.

Important: An individual has the right to import into the territory of Nigeria no more than 1 device with a maximum value of 300 US Dollars per year for personal use, tax-exempt.

Registration of more than 1 device per year, or of a device with value over 300 US Dollars, is allowed in case of customs declaration of such devices with payment of customs duties in accordance with the current customs legislation has been made.

To receive advice, the user can contact the Nigerian Customs Authority call center at the Ministry of Finance.

Payment for registration of IMEI codes of mobile devices can be made through Mobile Wallets or any other method communicated on www.dms.ng.