The Association of Mobile Phones and Allied Products Traders of Nigeria (AMPAT) has called for a 90-day suspension of new fees on imported mobile phones. The association warns that these charges could lead to shop closures and jeopardise millions of jobs nationwide.
AMPAT stated that traders face fees of approximately N670 for small phones and nearly N4,000 for larger devices. This has raised concerns, particularly for low-income consumers reliant on affordable or refurbished phones.
At a press conference on Saturday, Jamilu Bala Gama, Chairman of AMPAT in Kano State, representing National President Sani Tasiu Ibrahim, expressed support for phone registration to combat counterfeiting and theft. However, he criticised the implementation of these fees, questioning their legal basis and the identity of the private company collecting them.
Gama highlighted that the fees might substantially increase the prices of low-end devices, citing an example where a phone costing N10,000 could incur nearly N4,000 in fees before reaching consumers. He demanded transparency regarding the legal authorisation for the charges and has not yet received a clear response.
The association warned that the policy could impact not only retailers but also technicians, transporters, and apprentices who depend on the phone industry. Gama pointed out that traders contribute significantly to the economy through customs duties and taxes but face the risk of closure due to rising costs.
He urged the government to reconsider the policy, stating, “If this policy is implemented as it is, it is those millions of youths […] who will lose their jobs.” AMPAT proposed five demands, including the suspension of the fees, publication of the legal framework, and engagement with stakeholders before proceeding with the policy.
Gama also called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure the policy aligns with legal statutes and provides clear avenues for consumers to contest wrongful blocking of devices.
AMPAT has reached out to the NCC, the Senate, and the House of Representatives regarding its concerns, stressing that while it supports actions against fake phones, it wants to prevent detrimental effects on legitimate businesses.
