PHONE TRADERS DEMAND 90-DAY SUSPENSION OF REGISTRATION FEES, WARN OF JOB LOSSES
Read Time:2 Minute, 39 Second
By: Muftau Fatimo
The Association of Mobile Phones and Allied Products Traders of Nigeria (AMPATN) has urged the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to suspend the implementation of mobile phone registration charges for 90 days, warning that the policy could threaten millions of livelihoods across the country.
The association said it supported efforts to register mobile phones, eliminate counterfeit devices and prevent the use of stolen phones for criminal activities. However, it expressed concerns over the charges reportedly imposed on imported devices.
Speaking at a press conference in Kano, AMPATN National President, Sani Tasi’u Ibrahim, represented by the Kano State Chairman, Jamilu Bala Gama, said the policy could have significant economic consequences for phone traders, technicians and consumers.
According to Ibrahim, traders are reportedly required to pay about N670 for each small phone and nearly N4,000 for larger devices.
He questioned the legal basis for the charges, the identity of the company responsible for collecting the payments and the transparency of the fee structure.
AMPATN warned that the additional costs could lead to higher mobile phone prices, particularly for affordable and refurbished devices widely used by low-income earners, students and small business owners.
The association noted that Nigeria’s mobile phone trade supports a wide network of businesses, including retail outlets, repair workshops, distribution companies and logistics operators, providing employment opportunities for millions of young people.
Ibrahim cautioned that implementing the policy without adequate consultation and a thorough assessment of its financial implications could force small businesses to shut down, resulting in job losses and reduced economic activity.
He stressed that the association’s objection was not to phone registration itself but to what it described as the lack of clarity surrounding the charges and the implementation process.
As part of its demands, AMPATN called for a 90-day suspension of the fees and phone-blocking measures to allow consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The association also urged the NCC to publish the legal provisions authorising the charges and provide a transparent fee schedule.
Additionally, it called on the commission to engage phone traders, technicians and other industry stakeholders before proceeding with the implementation.
The traders further demanded an accessible appeal mechanism for phone owners whose devices might be blocked erroneously, including situations involving legitimate repairs.
They also insisted that all enforcement measures must comply with the Nigerian Communications Act and the Constitution.
The association disclosed that it had written to the NCC, petitioned the Senate and the House of Representatives, and approached the Kano State Government to seek a resolution through lawful channels.
Appealing to the Federal Government, the National Assembly and other relevant authorities to intervene, AMPATN maintained that efforts to combat counterfeit and stolen phones should not place excessive financial burdens on legitimate businesses and consumers.
The association called for a transparent regulatory framework that would achieve the objectives of phone registration without undermining employment, small-scale enterprises and access to affordable communication devices.
Meanwhile, AMPATN’s legal officer, Barrister Ibrahim Sule, said the association remained willing to collaborate with the government and relevant agencies to reach a mutually acceptable solution that protects consumers, supports legitimate traders and strengthens efforts to combat phone-related crimes.
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