Reps seek review of NCC phone rules over price hike fears

Nigeria’s House of Representatives urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to review mobile-device verification rules that took effect on October 7, 2026, warning they could raise prices and wrongly block legitimate used phones. Kano lawmaker Sani Wakili sponsored a motion calling for consultation with stakeholders, simpler checks and lower compliance costs for importers and retailers. Lawmakers cited the risk of technical errors and harm to the second-hand phone market, while acknowledging the policy’s aim of tackling counterfeit, cloned and stolen devices. The House committees on Communications and Commerce were instructed to consult the NCC and report back within four weeks.