The Association of Mobile Phones and Allied Products Traders of Nigeria (AMPATN) has called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to suspend mobile-phone registration charges for 90 days, citing concerns over affordability, transparency and the potential impact on businesses.
The association made the demand following the introduction of phone-verification measures intended to improve device identification and address the circulation of counterfeit or stolen mobile phones.
In a statement reported on October 17, AMPATN said it supported efforts to verify mobile devices but questioned the financial and operational implications of the reported charges.
The association’s national president, Sani Tasi’u Ibrahim, represented by Kano State chairman Jamilu Bala Gama, said traders were concerned about fees reportedly amounting to approximately ₦670 for smaller phones and nearly ₦4,000 for larger devices.
The association also sought clarification on the legal basis for the charges, the identity of the company receiving payments and the transparency of the fee structure.
According to AMPATN, additional registration costs could increase the final price of mobile devices, particularly affordable and refurbished phones used by students, low-income households and small businesses.
The association warned that higher costs could affect sales volumes and put pressure on retailers, technicians, distributors and logistics operators whose livelihoods depend on the mobile-device market.
It argued that a 90-day suspension would provide time for regulators and industry stakeholders to examine the policy, clarify the applicable charges and address concerns about implementation.
AMPATN also called for the publication of the legal provisions authorising the fees, a transparent fee schedule and an accessible appeals process for users whose devices might be incorrectly flagged or blocked.
The dispute comes as Nigeria seeks to improve device traceability and strengthen oversight of telecommunications equipment. The NCC has encouraged consumers to verify devices through its official channels and has addressed concerns about the privacy implications of its device checker.
However, the traders’ demands highlight the need to balance enforcement with affordability and operational clarity, especially in a market where mobile phones are essential tools for communication, digital payments and access to online services.
For consumers, any additional charge could influence purchasing decisions, particularly when buying lower-cost devices. For legitimate businesses, uncertainty about the rules can complicate inventory planning and pricing.
At the same time, a properly implemented verification framework could help consumers avoid counterfeit or non-compliant devices and support efforts to combat phone-related crime.
AMPATN said it had approached relevant authorities and called for engagement with traders before enforcement measures are expanded.
The NCC and the Federal Government will need to clarify the applicable rules, charges and implementation arrangements to address the concerns raised by the association.
The outcome could have implications for Nigeria’s mobile-device supply chain, the cost of entry-level smartphones and the livelihoods of businesses operating throughout the retail and repair ecosystem.
