The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is stepping up efforts to attract global smartphone manufacturers to establish production facilities in Nigeria, as part of a broader strategy to lower the cost of internet-enabled devices and reduce the industry’s dependence on foreign exchange.
Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, chairman of the NCC, made the appeal during the Digital Africa Summit Roundtable in Shanghai, China, where he urged international device makers to invest in local manufacturing, assuring them of the Commission’s commitment to securing government incentives to support such investments.
Speaking before technology executives and investors, Olorunnimbe said Nigeria could no longer rely solely on imported devices if it hopes to expand digital access and bridge the country’s connectivity gap.
His remarks come as the rising cost of smartphones continues to limit digital participation across Nigeria, despite sustained investments in telecommunications infrastructure and network expansion. The high cost of devices, largely influenced by exchange rate volatility and import dependence, has remained one of the biggest barriers preventing millions of Nigerians from accessing digital services.
According to Olorunnimbe, establishing local manufacturing plants would help reduce production costs by increasing the share of expenses denominated in naira, thereby insulating device prices from fluctuations in the value of the dollar.
“When a device is built with Nigerian raw materials and Nigerian labour, more of its cost is denominated in Naira. It stops rising and falling with every move in the dollar,” he said.
The NCC chairman noted that the initiative forms part of the Commission’s wider digital inclusion agenda, which also includes ongoing discussions around the zero-rating of educational platforms to enable students access learning materials and digital skills resources without incurring data charges.
Olorunnimbe acknowledged that previous attempts to assemble mobile devices locally had struggled with issues such as product quality and weak consumer acceptance. However, he stressed that any renewed push would prioritise competitiveness rather than simply promoting local production.
“The aim is to build phones in Nigeria that match the imported phones on quality and beat them on price. A locally made device that asks Nigerians to settle for less is not worth making, and we will not pretend otherwise,” he said.
He added that the local manufacturing drive would be complemented by strengthened regulatory measures, including updated Type Approval Regulations and the planned deployment of a Device Management System. The initiatives are expected to improve device quality standards while curbing the circulation of counterfeit and substandard mobile devices in the Nigerian market.
The Commission believes that, if successfully implemented, local smartphone production could not only make digital devices more affordable for Nigerians but also stimulate investment, create jobs and strengthen the country’s position in the regional technology manufacturing value chain.
