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NCC Moves Against Non-Type Approved Devices, Threatens Sanction

Published

2 years ago

July 27, 2023

Editor

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has cautioned the Nigerian telecom consumers about the dangers of buying Non-Type Approved telecoms devices.

This is even as the Commission warned the dealers not to patronise devices that were not type Approved by the regulator in order not to sell substandard brands to their customers.

It listed such devices as cell phones, laptops and others, and warned that sanctions will be meted on any dealer caught in selling such substandard products.

The Non-type Approved devices are those telecom devices that are of substandard quality that are not approved by the industry regulator, the NCC.

Recall that the NCC has the statutory mandate as enshrined in the Nigerian Communications Act NCA (2003) to “Protect the rights and interests of consumers.

Speaking at the event, the NCC of Director Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mr. Akassim Umar gave the warning during a sensitization workshop organised for service consumers at the GMS Village in Abuja.

Umar, who was represented by Deputy Director Consumer Affairs Bureau, Dr. Emilia Nwokolo, listed some of the dangers of patronising Non-Type Approved devices such as: poor quality of service, short period of usage, regular repairs among others.

She therefore advised user to always look out for only Type A Approved devices before purchasing them. She also advised dealers to always insist on patronising only Type Approve devices by the NCC.

The commission also translated the message to the fractured pidgin as “Shey you know say damage dey if you sell/buy Non-type Approved Devices, as part of its efforts to take the message to the grassroot consumers.

Recall that the Commission in 2001 established the Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB) with the Mandate to Protect, Inform and Educate (PIE) telecom consumers on their nights and privileges. The Bureau is the interface between telecom consumers and Service Providers.

Addressing journalist, Dr. Nwokolo said “as you know this is the GSM village and they deal with all these devices, phones, laptops and others. And the essence of coming here is to sensitise them on the danger of selling Non-Type approved devices. Normally in NCC, we approve the devices that can be sold in the Nigerian market because some of them are substandard, so we don’t want the substandard devices to be in circulation in the market.”

On how the consumers can identify the Non-type approved devices, Dr. Nwokolo said: “First of all before you bring in or buy telecoms devices, you have to seek approval from NCC so we have to check it and if it is okay, we go ahead and type approved it.”

She reminded them that, there is already a fine for those that will be caught selling Non-type approved devices, adding that there are departments in the NCC responsible for monitoring and enforcement of sanctions.

Following its consumer-centric initiatives, the NCC has provided toll free line-622 for consumers to contact the commission for Complaints/Enquiries. It is free of charge and available between 8:00am to 8:00pm daily except on Sundays and National Public Holidays.

Also speaking to reporters, Chairman of the Cell Phone and Accessories Dealers of the GMS Market, Macdonald Ugochukwu Ajuogu, said his union has a platform in the market whereby anybody that deals with any phone in the market is registered with the union.

He added that they also have a task force that always checks on every produced and services that is being offered in the market.

He said “So, if it happens that somebody is selling a product either phone or computer because we also have members that deal on computers, the task force always monitors the proper distribution of these goods in this market.

“So, if there is anybody that is found wanting, the task force will always confiscate their goods. Although sometimes some of our members always cut corners, trying to do one or two things, we always advise them not to deal on non-type approved phones or laptops in the market. We don’t call them non-type approved phones in this market; we call them ‘Chinco phones.’ So, we always advise them not to indulge in it, we want them to be sincere with their customers.

“We have a constitution that states that when you violate the standard you are either fined or you are suspended.”

Others traders who spoke lamented about poor quality of service and pleaded that NCC should intervene.

Responding, the NCC Director assured them that their complaint would be taken to the telecom service providers for prompt response.

She also urged them to take advantage of the NCC short code 622 to report any complaint that may arise in the course of receiving telecom services across the country.
VANGUARD

News

Immigration Officer Gets N5m For Arresting Fleeing Ritualist

Published

10 hours ago

June 10, 2025

Editor

An immigration officer, Ugochukwu Orji, who arrested a fleeing Enugu State-based native doctor accused of killing and kidnapping people for rituals, has been rewarded with N5 million for his efforts by an industrialist, Ebuka Onunkwo.

Onunkwo, who is also a senatorial aspirant for the Anambra South senatorial by-election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, hosted the immigration officer at his residence in Ihembosi, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, according to a press statement released by his media team on Tuesday.

Orji was at his duty post along the Seme Border area last month when the fleeing native doctor, popularly known as “Ichie Billion” attempted to use a motorcycle to cross over to the Benin Republic from Nigeria at Seme Border, but having seen his face on the internet, he quickly intercepted him.

Recall that “Ichie Billion”, who hails from Umuojor village in the Isiagu Community of Enugu State, had been on the run after being declared wanted by the Nigerian Police Force in connection with the kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl and alleged multiple ritual killings.

The native doctor was thereafter intercepted by the Nigerian Immigration Service and subsequently handed over to the Lagos State Police Command following his arrest at the border by the immigration officers.

Onunkwo, an industrialist, while presenting a cheque of ₦5 million to the immigration officer at his residence, said the gesture was part of his company’s Corporate Social Responsibility and encouragement for moral renaissance in the society.

News

Tariff Hikes Won’t Solve Nigeria’s Power Crisis, Expert Tells Tinubu

Published

10 hours ago

June 10, 2025

Editor

Attempts by the current administration to rely on increased electricity tariffs to resolve Nigeria’s chronic power supply issues are unlikely to succeed, according to energy expert Nick Agu.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Tuesday, Agu argued for a fundamental restructuring of the power sector, prioritising infrastructure over tariff hikes.

Responding to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu’s optimism and recent celebration of Nigeria reaching a new peak generation of over 5,000 megawatts, Agu acknowledged the incremental increase as “a good thing, is good news.”

However, he quickly added, “But should we celebrate? The answer is probably not.”

Agu underscored Nigeria’s severe “energy poverty” by drawing comparisons with other nations.

He noted that while Nigeria, with over 200 million people, struggles with around 5,000 megawatts, South Africa (65 million people) boasts 55,000 megawatts, Brazil (200 million people) supplies 150,000 megawatts, and even Qatar (3 million people) provides 8,000 megawatts.

“So, you can see that three million people are enjoying more electricity than Nigeria, which has 200 million people,” he highlighted.

Agu underscored Nigeria’s severe “energy poverty” by drawing comparisons with other nations.

“So, you can see that three million people are enjoying more electricity than Nigeria, which has 200 million people,” he highlighted.

News

From 158 To 351: Lagos Teen Excels In UTME After Initial Glitch

Published

11 hours ago

June 10, 2025

Editor

A 16-year-old student, Oyindamola Apampa, has achieved a remarkable aggregate score of 351 in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, with 65 in English Language, 98 in Mathematics, 98 in Physics, and 90 in Chemistry.

Apampa, a student of Lagoon Secondary School in Lagos, described the feat as the result of determination, strategic preparation, and divine favour.

A statement on Tuesday revealed that it was her second attempt at the UTME, explaining that her initial score of 158 was later invalidated due to technical issues experienced at her exam centre.

She said, “In my first UTME attempt, I scored 158. However, the results were widely criticised and later acknowledged by the authorities as inaccurate due to technical glitches affecting several examination centres, including mine.

“Consequently, the examination body authorised a resit to address these irregularities. In the resit, I achieved a score of 351.”

She added that her parents played a crucial role in supporting her academic journey by fostering a learning-friendly environment at home.

“My parents made our home a positive place for studying. We have a full library in the family living room, in addition to a separate multimedia study room where the whole family often gets together to talk about different topics and help each other learn,” she shared.

Apampa also credited a learning centre in Lekki, Lagos, for providing her with additional academic support through UTME preparation classes and frequent mock examinations.

“The frequent mock exams at our learning centre were a great help in my preparation for UTME,” she said.

In his reaction to the learning centre head, Osayi Izedonmwen, stellar 98 per cent pass rate in the 2025 UTME, attributed the achievement to its hybrid learning approach.

“At Teesas, we are fully IT-equipped to seamlessly support both online and physical learning within a convenient and friendly environment. This has played a key role in helping our students excel,” Izedonmwen stated.

Apampa is no stranger to academic excellence. She was placed on her school’s Honours list after securing 10 As and one B in her Junior WAEC.

She has also represented her school in international competitions, such as the Conrad Challenge, where her team reached the final stage and earned a special mention.