NCC Seeks Tinubu’s Backing to Launch Smartphone Manufacturing in Nigeria, Promises Incentives for Investors

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled plans to drive local smartphone manufacturing, with its Governing Board Chairman, Idris Olorunnimbe, pledging to seek presidential incentives for investors willing to establish device production plants in Nigeria.

Olorunnimbe made the commitment in a statement issued on Saturday following his participation at the Digital Africa Summit Roundtable held in Shanghai, China, on June 24.

He said attracting smartphone manufacturers to Nigeria would significantly reduce the cost of mobile devices, expand digital inclusion and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the country.

Olorunnimbe noted that local manufacturing remains the most sustainable solution to Nigeria's growing smartphone affordability challenge, which continues to limit access to the country's rapidly expanding digital economy.

"If any manufacturer in this room, or any manufacturer listening to these proceedings, will commit to building a factory in Nigeria and begin construction between now and November, I will personally take that commitment to the President and seek the waivers and support needed to make it happen," Olorunnimbe said.

He noted that domestic production would reduce Nigeria's dependence on imported smartphones, lessen the impact of foreign exchange volatility on device prices and strengthen local industrial capacity.

The NCC chairman explained that manufacturing smartphones locally would stimulate multiple sectors of the economy by creating opportunities for engineers, technicians, logistics providers, component suppliers, retailers and other businesses within the technology value chain.

Beyond job creation, he said affordable smartphones are critical to expanding access to online education, digital banking, e-commerce, remote work and government digital services.

Olorunnimbe said Nigeria's large telecommunications market presents a compelling investment opportunity for global manufacturers. According to him, the country currently has more than 170 million mobile connections and over 150 million mobile internet users, making it one of Africa's largest consumer markets.

Despite this, he noted that the high cost of smartphones remains one of the biggest barriers preventing millions of Nigerians from fully participating in the digital economy.

He argued that producing devices locally would allow manufacturers to price products more competitively since a significant portion of production costs would be incurred in naira rather than foreign currencies.

"This will help stabilise smartphone prices, improve affordability and enable more Nigerians to own quality devices," he said.

Olorunnimbe acknowledged that previous attempts at smartphone manufacturing in Nigeria struggled due to poor product quality, weak after-sales service and low consumer confidence.

He stressed that any renewed effort must prioritise quality.

"The aim is to build phones in Nigeria that match imported phones on quality and beat them on price. A locally made device that asks Nigerians to settle for less is not worth making," he stated.

The NCC chairman also disclosed that the commission is strengthening regulatory oversight of devices through refreshed Type Approval Regulations and a proposed Device Management System, adding that, the reforms are designed to tackle counterfeit, cloned and stolen devices while improving consumer confidence and accountability within the handset market.

"A phone is only truly cheap if it is genuine, safe, connects properly and comes with a warranty the buyer can trust," he said.

Olorunnimbe further advocated flexible smartphone financing schemes that would allow Nigerians to purchase devices through instalment payments instead of paying the full cost upfront.

He said combining affordable financing with local manufacturing would accelerate smartphone ownership, strengthen domestic production and deepen digital inclusion across the country.

Calling for greater collaboration across the continent, he urged African governments, regulators and industry players to support local manufacturing, harmonise device standards and promote affordable smartphone access.

According to him, the continent must work collectively to build a stronger, more competitive and self-reliant digital economy.