Nigerian phone traders demand 90‑day pause on new registration fees

Background The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the federal government have introduced a policy that would levy registration fees on imported mobile phones. The charges are estimated at about ₦670 for smaller models and close to ₦4,000 for larger devices.

AMPATN’s Position AMPATN, the industry body representing phone traders, technicians and related businesses, has voiced strong opposition to the fee structure. The organisation states that while it supports phone registration as a means to curb counterfeit and stolen devices, the lack of clarity around the charges and the legal basis for them is problematic.

Economic Concerns According to the association, the additional costs could push the retail price of affordable and refurbished phones higher. This would affect low‑income consumers, students and small business owners who rely on inexpensive devices. AMPATN warns that the policy could lead to shop closures and job losses for the millions of young people employed in the mobile phone supply chain.

Calls for Transparency The association has asked the NCC to publish the statutory authority that authorises the fees and to disclose the identity of the private company that would receive the payments. It also demands a clear, publicly available fee schedule.

Proposed Measures AMPATN’s demands include a 90‑day suspension of the registration charges to allow for stakeholder consultation. The organisation also wants the NCC to pause any phone‑blocking measures until the policy’s financial implications are fully reviewed.

Wider Impact The phone trade in Nigeria supports a wide network of retail shops, repair workshops, distribution firms and logistics operators. AMPATN estimates that the sector contributes billions of naira to the economy through customs duties, taxes and commercial activity.

Conclusion The association’s stance is that the registration policy, as currently designed, could harm the very businesses it intends to protect. It urges the government and the NCC to reconsider the fee structure, provide legal clarity and engage with traders before implementation.

Sources The statements are based on press conferences held in Kano and statements released by AMPATN’s national president and Kano state chairman, as reported by the Daily Post and Daily Trust on 17 October 2026.