The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced plans to make cheaper smartphones available in the Nigerian market as part of efforts to improve digital inclusion and expand access to mobile technology.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, disclosed this during a media parley with journalists in Abuja on Friday.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at addressing the rising cost of mobile devices in the country, which has been driven by inflation, foreign exchange challenges, and import duties.
Maida said the commission is working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that more affordable smartphones are introduced to the market to support increased access to digital services.
“We are looking at how cheaper smartphones can be introduced into the market,” he said.
He noted that despite the high cost of devices, there has been a steady shift in user behaviour, with more Nigerians moving from 2G and 3G networks to 4G-enabled smartphones.
“But despite this, if you look at the figures, increasingly we are seeing more users moving to 4G. Users are moving away from 3G, 2G devices,” he said.
“So this, on its own, is also showing that that move towards smartphone usage is happening, because I think now over about 52% of users are 4G users.”
The NCC boss explained that this trend reflects growing smartphone adoption in Nigeria, even amid economic pressures affecting purchasing power.
He also highlighted the commission’s broader regulatory efforts, including tariff simplification, monitoring of network outages, and enforcement of corporate governance standards within the telecom sector.
Maida added that the NCC’s collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser on protecting critical national infrastructure is beginning to yield positive results, particularly in addressing issues such as fibre cuts affecting telecom services.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and policies aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring the sustainability of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.