Nigeria has unveiled incentives to boost local production of smartphones, tablets and other telecoms devices, aiming to lower costs and expand digital access.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) believes the incentives could revive local manufacturing, create jobs and accelerate the country's transition to a more inclusive and self-reliant digital economy.
The initiative could also benefit telecom operators by increasing smartphone ownership, driving mobile broadband adoption and boosting demand for digital services such as mobile banking, e-commerce, streaming and cloud applications.
Greater device penetration would also help maximise returns on investments in 4G and 5G networks.
Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, chairman of the NCC's Governing Board, said the regulator is adopting a more proactive role in supporting industrial growth by creating an enabling environment for investors to establish device manufacturing plants in Nigeria.
He said the incentives would include tax holidays and simplified customs procedures to reduce production costs and improve the competitiveness of locally assembled devices.
Olorunnimbe said effective regulation is essential to ensure consumers have access to genuine, safe and affordable devices backed by reliable warranties, adding that affordability should not come at the expense of quality or market integrity.
He said that although Nigeria has made significant progress in expanding telecommunications coverage, the high cost of smartphones continues to prevent millions of Nigerians from fully participating in the digital economy.
According to recent industry data, while mobile network coverage reaches nearly 90% of the population, more than two-thirds of Nigerians remain offline and only about 27% owned a smartphone in 2024, highlighting the affordability challenge.
The figures highlight the need to complement network investment with more affordable internet-enabled devices.
Olorunnimbe also advocated flexible device financing models, arguing that Nigerians should no longer be expected to purchase smartphones through a single upfront payment.
He said locally manufactured smartphones, routers and MiFi devices would be included in the Commission's digital inclusion programmes, with built-in access to free educational platforms and key government digital services, including e-health, tax and civic registration portals.
Nigeria has previously seen attempts at local device assembly by companies including Afrione, Imose, Omatek and Zinox.
However, many struggled to scale operations because of high production costs, unreliable electricity supply and supply chain constraints.
Share
