The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a stern caution to traders and various stakeholders regarding the detrimental repercussions linked to the sale and use of phones and telecommunications devices that lack the necessary approval from the Commission.
Under the purview of the Nigerian Communications Act (2003), which is fundamentally geared towards safeguarding consumer rights and interests, the NCC holds the responsibility of certifying telecommunications devices used within the sector.
The utilization of non-type approved telecommunications devices is traced back to unregulated sources, often referred to as “grey sources,” and has been observed to compromise the overall service quality within the network.
Investigations by The Guardian have disclosed that as of July 2023, the NCC has granted type approval to a total of 2,146 devices, with a significant presence of Chinese brands dominating the list.
Dr. Emilia Nwokoro, Deputy-Director of the Consumer Affairs Bureau and representative of Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice of the NCC, emphasized during the 5th edition of Market Conversation that the event served as a vital aspect of the Commission’s educational initiatives aimed at addressing this matter. The event, known as the telecom consumer outreach program of the NCC, was recently held at the GSM Village in Abuja.
Dr. Nwokoro underscored the imperative need to sensitize market traders to the potential repercussions of dealing in substandard products, highlighting the risk of arrest and prosecution for those found selling non-type approved devices.
“The objective of our presence today is to enlighten the traders about the hazards associated with vending non-type approved devices. The NCC has put in place rigorous procedures for certifying telecom products that are suitable for sale and use in Nigeria. This underscores the Commission’s ongoing commitment to increase awareness and ensure that substandard products do not circulate in any market within Nigeria,” she remarked.
She further conveyed that the Commission has firmly established a comprehensive procedure for the approval of telecom devices, and all approved devices have been made public on the NCC’s official website for the benefit of the public and users alike. This facilitates traders in differentiating between type-approved and non-type-approved phone devices.
Macdonald Ajuogu, Chairman of the GSM Village Market in Abuja, added that the market union operates a vigilant task force entrusted with overseeing the types and standards of devices being sold within the market. He emphasized the union’s commitment to taking action against any member who violates their established regulations.
“We have a dedicated platform in the market where every individual engaged in the trade of phones is required to be registered with the union. Additionally, we have a vigilant task force that consistently monitors all products, including computers, sold within the GSM village,” Ajuogu affirmed.
