NCC chairman urges local smartphone production to lower costs
The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Idris Olorunnimbe, is calling for the establishment of local smartphone factories to address device affordability in Nigeria. Speaking at the Digital Africa Summit Roundtable in Shanghai, China, on June 24, he pledged to secure presidential incentives for investors willing to build factories in the country. Olorunnimbe emphasized that local production is key to reducing prices, creating jobs, and expanding digital inclusion. He also highlighted the need for improved product quality and consumer confidence in locally made devices.
What we know
- Idris Olorunnimbe promised to personally engage President Bola Tinubu to secure waivers and support for manufacturers who commit to starting factory construction before November.
- He stated that local smartphone manufacturing would reduce device costs, create jobs, and lessen reliance on imports.
- At the Digital Africa Summit Roundtable in Shanghai, China, on June 24, Olorunnimbe stressed that affordable smartphones are essential for digital inclusion and economic participation.
- He acknowledged past challenges with local production, such as poor product quality and weak after-sales support, and said the aim is to match imported phones on quality and beat them on price.
- The NCC is working to improve device regulation and market oversight to tackle counterfeit and stolen devices and to boost consumer confidence.
