NCC provides list of 2,155 authorized phone brands, models

As of July 2023, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given the go-ahead for the sale of 2,155 different phone models throughout the nation.

These numerous products, which come in a variety of brands and models, have satisfactorily satisfied the stringent type approval requirements established by the telecoms authority, making them eligible for sale to consumers in Nigeria.

Since April of the same year, the number of NCC-approved phones has risen from 2,112 to 2,155, indicating the authorisation of 43 new phone models within the past three months alone.

Chinese mobile manufacturers continue to hold a significant share of the Nigerian mobile market in terms of approved devices.

Notably, brands under the Transsion Group, namely Tecno, Infinix, and iTel, have secured approval for a combined total of 545 phone models for sale in Nigeria.

This constitutes a noteworthy 25% of the total NCC-approved phones available on the market.

Addressing the issue of unauthorised phones flooding the market, Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, strongly cautioned against purchasing phones that lack certification from the regulator.

Expressing concern over the proliferation of counterfeit handsets, Danbatta emphasised that collaboration with other government agencies and consumer education are vital to tackling this challenge.

He stated, “The menace of counterfeit and substandard handsets has assumed a global dimension and requires a lot of education on the part of the consumers and collaboration with other government agencies to address it.

“Cases of influx and patronage of counterfeit handsets are more rampant in developing countries, such as Nigeria, where importers bring in substandard phones without recourse to the regulatory type-approval process aimed at certifying such devices as fit for the market”

Nigeria boasts a robust market with over 219 million active mobile subscriptions as of June 2023, attracting mobile manufacturers from around the world.

Despite regulatory efforts, a multitude of unapproved phone brands continue to be sold across the country.

While the allure of cheaper prices drives the sales of unapproved phones, these devices often prove to be sub-standard or counterfeit, posing potential risks to consumers.