The Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, has called on global device manufacturers to establish production facilities in Nigeria, offering to facilitate presidential support and waivers for companies willing to invest locally.

Speaking at the Digital Africa Summit Roundtable held in Shanghai, China, on June 24, 2026, Olorunnimbe said Nigeria must begin addressing digital access challenges through domestic manufacturing rather than continued dependence on imported devices.

Addressing technology executives at the event, he made a direct appeal to investors.
“If any manufacturer in this room, or any manufacturer listening to these proceedings, will commit to building a factory in Nigeria, and to beginning construction between now and November, I will take that commitment to the President myself and seek the waivers and the support you need to make it happen,” he said.

The proposal comes amid growing concerns over the affordability of internet-enabled devices in Nigeria. While mobile network expansion has continued across the country, the cost of smartphones and related hardware remains a major barrier to digital participation for millions of Nigerians.

According to Olorunnimbe, local production could reduce exposure to foreign exchange volatility and make devices more affordable for consumers.
“When a device is built with Nigerian raw materials and Nigerian labour, more of its cost is denominated in Naira. It stops rising and falling with every move in the dollar,” he said.
The local manufacturing proposal also aligns with the NCC’s broader digital inclusion agenda, including ongoing conversations around “zero-rating” educational platforms to allow students access learning and digital skills resources without data charges.
The NCC chairman also acknowledged concerns surrounding previous attempts at local device assembly, which faced challenges including product quality and limited consumer adoption.
He said the objective is not simply to manufacture locally, but to ensure competitiveness with imported alternatives.
“The aim is to build phones in Nigeria that match the imported phones on quality and beat them on price. A locally made device that asks Nigerians to settle for less is not worth making, and we will not pretend otherwise,” Olorunnimbe stated.
The initiative is expected to be supported by updated Type Approval Regulations and the planned rollout of a Device Management System aimed at improving device standards and reducing the circulation of counterfeit products.