Liberia Pushes IMEI Regulation to Combat Phone Theft and Substandard Devices

By: Geeplay Ezekiel Geeplay I Contributing Writer

Monrovia, Liberia-November 21, 2025 – The Liberian government is taking steps to protect consumers and strengthen the country’s telecom ecosystem through a draft International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) regulation.

This move aims to curb phone theft and prevent the importation of substandard telecommunications equipment, officials announced.

In a documentary video footage, posted on the LTA official Facebook page Friday, The IMEI, LTA Chairperson, Hon. Clarence Massaquoi said is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile device, serving as a device’s identifier.

He added that LTA and relevant stakeholders within the sector are currently educating the public about the importance of IMEI in safeguarding Liberia’s telecom network.

“We had meetings with key stakeholders to get their input as we move forward,” an official said, highlighting the collaborative approach to implementing the regulation” Chairperman Clarence Massaquoi in the video footage indicated.

The draft regulation is part of broader efforts to enhance security and ensure compliance within the telecom sector.

By registering IMEI numbers, Liberia joins other countries like Kenya and Nigeria, which have introduced similar measures to track mobile devices, combat theft, and enforce tax compliance.

IMEI registration would require manufacturers and importers to list their devices’ unique identifiers in a national database. Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) would then only connect devices with registered, legitimate IMEI numbers to their networks, blocking stolen or non-compliant phones.

This system helps verify device authenticity, protect consumers, and support law enforcement in tracking stolen devices.

The public education campaign according to LTA Boss underscores the importance of IMEI registration for consumer protection.

“The unique 15 digital number can be found on every single telecommunications device,” officials note, urging citizens to familiarize themselves with their device’s IMEI — typically found by dialing *#06# or in the device settings — and report any suspicious activity.

Details on when the draft regulation will be finalized and implemented are pending. The government emphasizes that stakeholder feedback is crucial to shaping effective policies.