Phone traders urge FG, NCC to suspend registration fees for 90 days

The Association of Mobile Phones and Allied Products Traders of Nigeria (AMPATN) is urging the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to temporarily halt the implementation of phone registration fees for 90 days. The group warns that the policy could endanger the livelihoods of millions of people across Nigeria.

While AMPATN supports efforts to stop counterfeit phones and stop the use of stolen devices in crimes, it is concerned about the additional fees imposed on imported phones. During a press conference in Kano, the National President of AMPATN, Sani Tasi’u Ibrahim, expressed worry over the impact on traders, technicians, and phone users.

According to Ibrahim, traders are being asked to pay up to N4,000 for larger devices, questioning the legal basis for these charges and the identity of the receiving company. He also highlighted the potential for increased mobile phone prices, particularly for affordable devices that low-income earners, students, and small business owners rely on.

AMPATN pointed out that Nigeria's mobile phone trade supports numerous businesses, providing millions of jobs. The association warned that without consultation and a review of the policy's financial implications, small businesses could face closures and job losses. AMPATN's president, Ibrahim, emphasized that the issue is not with phone registration itself, but with the lack of clarity surrounding the charges and the implementation process.

The group outlined five demands, including a 90-day suspension of the fees and phone-blocking measures to allow stakeholder consultations. They also requested the NCC to publish the legal basis for the charges, provide a transparent fee schedule, and engage traders and other industry stakeholders before proceeding with implementation.

The traders demanded an accessible appeal mechanism for mistakenly blocked devices, including those involved in legitimate repairs, and urged all enforcement measures to comply with Nigerian law. The AMPATN president called on the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and other authorities to intervene, urging them to find a balanced solution that protects consumers, supports legitimate businesses, and addresses phone-related crimes.