NCC seeks presidential backing for local smartphone factories

Nigeria's Communications Commission (NCC) is actively pursuing presidential backing to offer incentives for investors interested in establishing smartphone factories within the country. NCC Governing Board Chairman Idris Olorunnimbe pledged to champion this cause, aiming to attract private sector participation in Nigeria's digital economy and manufacturing sector.

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If any manufacturer in this room, or any manufacturer listening to these proceedings will commit to building a factory in Nigeria, and to beginning construction between now and November, I will take that commitment to the President myself and seek the waivers and the support you need to make it happen.

Olorunnimbe highlighted the significant benefits of local smartphone manufacturing, including a reduction in device costs and the creation of thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities. Furthermore, he emphasized that local production would bolster digital inclusion by making quality smartphones more accessible and affordable for ordinary Nigerians, particularly young people, students, and small business owners. This initiative is also expected to strengthen Nigeria's industrial base, foster local value chains, stimulate ancillary businesses, and decrease the nation's substantial dependence on imported devices.

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Attracting local smartphone manufacturing would help reduce the cost of devices and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

The current heavy reliance on imported smartphones exposes Nigerian consumers to elevated prices and potential supply chain disruptions. Olorunnimbe stated that manufacturers committing to commencing factory construction by November would receive government support. The NCC is prepared to facilitate these investments by providing the necessary policy and regulatory backing. "If any manufacturer in this room, or any manufacturer listening to these proceedings will commit to building a factory in Nigeria, and to beginning construction between now and November, I will take that commitment to the President myself and seek the waivers and the support you need to make it happen," Olorunnimbe declared.

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Local manufacturing would also help expand digital inclusion by making quality smartphones more affordable and accessible to ordinary Nigerians, especially young people, students and small business owners.

Local manufacturing is presented as the most sustainable solution to Nigeria's smartphone affordability challenges. Olorunnimbe argued that the country must move beyond sole reliance on imported devices to effectively close its digital access gap. Producing devices locally would also insulate the economy from foreign exchange volatility, as a larger portion of production costs would be in naira, thereby stabilizing prices and improving predictability for consumers. This policy could position Nigeria as a regional hub for device assembly and technology manufacturing, generating opportunities across the entire supply chain, from engineers and technicians to logistics providers and retailers.

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The initiative will also deepen Nigeria’s industrial base, strengthen local value chains, stimulate ancillary businesses and reduce the country’s heavy dependence on imported devices.