The programme is an initiative of the Nigerian Communications Commission aimed at sensitizing stakeholders on some key challenging issues in the telecommunication sector in Nigeria. The long term objective is to create regulatory awareness on the need for type approval to consolidate the exponential gains recorded in the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.
Amina Shehu, Director Zonal Operations who was represented by Mr Abubakar Usman, Principal Manager Zonal Operations, delivered the welcome address stating that “ Sub-Standard, counterfeiting or Non Type approved handsets are a global menace. The sale and circulation poses problems in Nigeria due to the country’s large population and market size that make such markets very attractive to marketers of Non-type approved handsets.
It is in response to these concerns in the public domain that NCC is committed to creating awareness regarding its security and economic implications and for the need to ensure improved quality of service , public safety and the general well-being of phone users that this sensitisation is organised”.
She further added that “ The NCC is to form a coalition of forces in a renewed strategic partnership with all the marketers of handsets in the sector so as to contain the menace”.
The effect of Non type approved handsets include
1. Negative impact on quality of service.
2. Health concerns associated with EMF emission
3. Negative environmental Impact( E-Waste )
She assured participants that in the fight against ICT product counterfeiting, “The Commission has carried out series of clampdown on vendors, dealers, marketers of fake products and offenders are being prosecuted in order to deter this operation”.
Furthermore the Commission is collaborating with other national stakeholders such as Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Law Enforcement Agencies, Nigerian Custom service and Environmental Regulatory Agency to fight the import and circulation of substandard forms.
The event ended with an audience session, where questions and answers were asked, observations
and recommendations were also made.
In attendance at the event were Chairman of Suleja Local Government, Village Heads, Community leaders, Members of NYSC, NSCDC and NURTW.