NCC chairman pledges incentives for local smartphone manufacturing in Nigeria

Speaking at the Digital Africa Summit Roundtable in Shanghai, China, Olorunnimbe stated that local smartphone production is crucial for addressing device affordability and enhancing digital inclusion in Nigeria. He pledged to personally engage President Bola Tinubu to obtain waivers and government support for manufacturers who commit to starting factory construction in Nigeria before November. Olorunnimbe highlighted that attracting smartphone manufacturers would significantly reduce device costs, create jobs, strengthen local value chains, and decrease reliance on imported handsets, which currently expose consumers to high prices and foreign exchange volatility.

He emphasized that local manufacturing would allow production costs to be denominated in naira, stabilizing prices and making smartphones more accessible for millions of Nigerians. He also noted that affordable smartphones are essential for participation in online education, digital banking, e-commerce, and access to government services. While acknowledging past challenges with local production due to poor quality and weak after-sales support, Olorunnimbe stressed the aim is to build phones that match imported quality and offer better prices.

He pointed out Nigeria's significant market opportunity with over 1