The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a stern warning to traders and stakeholders regarding the potential negative consequences of buying and selling phones and telecommunications gadgets that lack the Commission’s type approval.
Certifying telecom devices used in the sector falls under one of NCC’s mandates, as specified in the Nigerian Communications Act (2003), with its primary objective being the protection of consumers’ rights and interests.
Devices that are not type approved are believed to enter the Nigerian market through grey sources and have been known to cause degradation in the quality of network services.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Dr. Emilia Nwokoro, Deputy Director Consumer Affairs Bureau, highlighted the significance of the 5th edition of Market Conversation, a telecom consumer outreach program organized by NCC at the GSM Village in Abuja. The event aimed to sensitize stakeholders about the issue and address the challenges posed by non-type approved telecom devices in the market.