*The Nigerian Communications Commission discloses a package of incentives designed to encourage the local manufacture of smartphones, tablets, and other telecommunications equipment to reduce production costs, and boost local manufacturing capacity in the West African country
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
As the Federal Government moves to make digital devices more affordable while expanding consumers’ access to technology, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a package of incentives aimed at encouraging the local manufacture of smartphones, tablets, and other telecommunications equipment within the country.
ConsumerConnect reports Chief Idris Olorunnimbe, Chairman, Governing Board of NCC, who disclosed this development said the Commission was taking a more active role in driving industrial growth in Nigeria.
TCN announces power disruption in 5 states, Niger Republic over routine maintenance
Olorunnimbe noted these incentives are packaged towards creating an enabling environment for investors to establish device manufacturing plants in the West African country.
The Chairman of the NCC Governing Board also explained that the industrial initiative would be backed by policy measures.
According to him, these include tax holidays, and streamlined customs processes in order to reduce production costs and boost local manufacturing capacity.
The NCC disclosed the policy initiative reflects its commitment to promoting indigenous technology development while supporting the country’s stride towards attaining a more inclusive and self-reliant Nigeria Digital Economy.
Key regulations, factors for quality and affordable digital devices, by Board Chair
Highlighting a number of essential factors for realisation of the objectives of the proposal,
Chief Olorunnimbe noted that effective regulations remain essential to ensuring telecoms consumers have access to quality and affordable digital devices in the ecosystem.
He further stated: “Regulation and market integrity are what make a market affordable in the first place. They are the precondition for it.
“A phone is only truly cheap if it is real, if it is safe, if it connects properly, and if it carries a warranty the buyer can rely on.”
As Nigeria has recorded significant improvements in telecoms coverage, the Chairman noted, the high costs of smartphones continue to limit digital participation for lots of Nigerians, he said.
Olorunnimbe as well manufacturers’ reducing the costs of devices would complement ongoing investments in network infrastructure, and help to bridge digital divide in the country’s telecoms space.
Digital inclusion and device acquisition system
Advocating a clear departure from the old order in tech acquisition, Olorunnimbe urged a shift from the traditional model of outright phone purchases.
He rather solicited more flexible financing arrangements that would make devices accessible to more digital consumers in the economy.
The Chairman of the Governing Board also asserted: “Retire the assumption that a Nigerian must buy a phone outright, in one payment, on the day.
“That is not how it works anywhere else in the world.”
Olorunnimbe: Insight into benefits of broader digital inclusion strategy
Unveiling some details of the telecoms sector regulatory Commission’s broader strategy, Olorunnimbe said locally manufactured smartphones, routers, and MiFi devices would be integrated into the NCC digital inclusion initiatives.
The devices, he stated, are expected to come with built-in links to educational platforms under the NCC’s zero-rated education programme, allowing students and other consumers to access learning materials without incurring data charges in the process.
According to him, the digital devices would also feature direct access to major government digital services.
These include civic registration, tax administration and e-health platforms, to improve citizens’ access to essential public services, said the Board Chairman.
He averred that the initiative is designed not only to expand Internet access but also to ensure that digital connectivity translates into better educational opportunities, improved public service delivery and greater economic participation.