The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has cautioned consumers against patronising makers of and using devices that have not been type-approved and [are] counterfeit. The commission warned strongly that such devices negatively affect the quality of experience while leaving their users vulnerable to losses and other discomforts.
The warning came following the commission’s enforcement activities in Kano, where it arrested representatives of three companies responsible for the sale of counterfeit and non-type-approved devices and handed them over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for investigation and further action.
The enforcement team arrested Yahaya Ado of Gezawa Communications Limited for selling counterfeit Gionee devices and being unable to show any evidence of authorisation granted to the company by the commission. Also arrested were Messrs Nura Ahmed of Saleh Latest Venture and Rufai Nuhu of Al Mansoor Communications, who were not licenced to engage in the sale and installation of terminal equipment and were unable to show any evidence of authorisation from the commission in that connection.
The NCC’s head of enforcement, Mallam Salisu Abdu who led the team, expressed concerns at the abundance of counterfeit and non-type approved phones in the GSM Market on Beirut Street, Kano. Abdu bemoaned the fact that many of the vendors were not licensed by the commission to provide the services they rendered.
A statement by the director of public affairs, NCC, Reuben Muoka said the commission is determined to carry out post-enforcement checks to ensure that the sale of counterfeit devices is stopped. The NCC will collaborate with market associations to ensure that appropriate licences are obtained by vendors and assist in apprehending the major dealers and suppliers of counterfeit devices.
The non-type-approved phones found during the enforcement include Gionee-branded phones (models G800 and L990), H-Mobile phones (models it5606+ H351), FoxKong phones (models F30 and F300) and KGTEL phones (models K2160 and KG1100).
