The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in collaboration with the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), West African Telecommunications Regulatory Assembly (WATRA) and Mobile and Wireless Forum (MWF), is developing a framework for combating counterfeiting of ICT Devices in the African sub-region.
Amina Shehu, Director Zonal Operations, NCC, revealed this at a Stakeholders Sensitization Programme held today at Bwari, Abuja, on hazardous effect of Non Type Approved Handsets on humans, Quality of Service and e-waste.
Shehu said that “the Commission, at the national level has put in place a robust type approval regulation which amongst other things, seeks to discourage the use of counterfeit and substandard ICT products in the Nigerian telecommunications industry.”
Shehu also stated the objectives of the regulation as follows:
– To promote interoperability between communications networks.
– Ensure that communications equipment used in communications networks are safe.
– Ensure that communication equipment used by communication networks are subject to limits on causing or being affected by electromagnetic radiations.
– Promote the development of communication networks including the supply of communications equipment
– Identify applicable technical standards, including those promulgated by international bodies.
The Director Zonal Operations also declared that NCC is collaborating with other national stakeholders such as the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and other law enforcement agencies to fight the importation and circulation of substandard devices.
