The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a stern warning to traders and stakeholders regarding the potential ramifications of trading in and acquiring phones and telecommunications equipment that lack the necessary type approval from the Commission.
Certification of telecom devices employed within the telecommunications sector is a fundamental responsibility of the NCC, in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Nigerian Communications Act (2003). The primary objective of this act is to safeguard the rights and interests of consumers.
Telecom devices that lack the requisite type approval are presumed to enter the Nigerian market through unofficial channels, often referred to as grey sources. Such devices have been identified as culprits that undermine the quality of network services.
Addressing participants at the 5th edition of the Market Conversation—an outreach initiative aimed at telecom consumers—Dr. Emilia Nwokoro, Deputy Director of the Consumer Affairs Bureau, represented Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC. The event was held recently at the GSM Village in Abuja as part of the Commission’s educational efforts to tackle this issue.
Dr. Nwokoro emphasized the need to enlighten market traders about the potential repercussions of dealing in substandard products, as they could face arrest and legal action if found trading in non-type approved devices.
“The purpose of our presence here today is to raise awareness among traders about the risks associated with the sale of non-type approved devices. The NCC has established stringent protocols for certifying telecom products fit for sale and use in Nigeria. This underscores the Commission’s commitment to promoting awareness and preventing the circulation of substandard products within Nigerian markets,” she conveyed.
She further informed the traders that the Commission has put in place a well-defined procedure for approving telecom devices, and the list of type-approved devices is publicly accessible on the NCC website. Therefore, traders are encouraged to utilize this resource to differentiate between type-approved and non-type approved phone devices.
The Chairman of the GSM Village Market in Abuja, Macdonald Ajuogu, confirmed the establishment of a market union task force responsible for monitoring the quality and standards of devices available for sale. Ajuogu assured that the union has implemented measures to address any member who violates these established guidelines.
“Within the market, we have a dedicated platform where all phone vendors are required to register with the union. Additionally, we maintain a task force that rigorously inspects products available in the market, including computers sold within the GSM village,” Ajuogu explained.
He extended gratitude to the NCC for their efforts in educating traders about the importance of dealing exclusively in type-approved devices. Ajuogu pledged the traders’ commitment to adhere to the Commission’s directives by cross-referencing their offerings with the NCC’s certified and type-approved devices list, thereby avoiding potential sanctions.
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