NCC warns consumers against use of counterfeit, non-type approved phones and devices

*The Nigerian Communications Commission strongly warns telecoms consumers against the use of non-type approved and counterfeit devices that negatively affect the Quality of Experience, while making them vulnerable to losses and other discomforts in the digital ecosystem

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As part of the Commission’s consumer protection mandate, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has cautioned telecoms consumers against the patronage of phones that have not been typed-approved and counterfeit devices in the West African country.

The NCC strongly warns consumers, that such devices negatively affect the quality of experience, while leaving their users vulnerable to losses and other discomforts.

ConsumerConnect reports the telecoms sector regulatory Commission said warning came following the NCC’s enforcement activities in Kano State, where it arrested representatives of three companies responsible for the sale of counterfeit as well as non-type-approved devices.

Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Wednesday, November 30, 2022, stated that the Commission had handed over the suspects to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for investigation and further necessary action.

The NCC also disclosed its enforcement team arrested Yahaya Ado of Gezawa Communications Limited for selling counterfeit Gionee devices.

Ado was unable to show any evidence of authorisation granted to the company by the Commission, it noted.

The enforcement team also arrested Messrs Nura Ahmed of Saleh Latest Venture and Rufai Nuhu of Al Mansoor Communications because they were not licensed to engage in the sales and installation of terminal equipment.

List of some non-type approved phones

The NCC disclosed the non-type-approved phones found during the enforcement include Gionee branded phones with model numbers G800, and L990; H-Mobile phones with model numbers it5606+, H351; FoxKong with model numbers F30, F300; and KGTEL phones with model numbers K2160 and KG1100.

More so, the suspects were unable to show any evidence of authorisation from the Commission in that connection, said the regulator.

Malam Salisu Abdu, Head of Enforcement at the Commission, who led the team, expressed concerns at how the GSM Market on Beirut Street, in Kano, was awash with counterfeit and non-type approved phones.

Abdu bemoaned the fact that the Commission did not license many of the affected vendors to provide such communication service they rendered.

Meanwhile, the telecoms regulatory Commission has stated that it is determined to carry out post-enforcement checks to ensure that the sale of counterfeit devices is stopped in the Nigerian markets.

“The NCC will collaborate with market associations to ensure that appropriate licences are obtained by vendors and assist in apprehending the major dealers and suppliers of counterfeit devices,” said the Commission.