NCC raises alarm over fake, substandard handsets

Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has raised the alarm over influx and proliferation of counterfeit and substandard handsets and telecommunication devices in the country.

Speaking at a stakeholders sensitization programme on the “Hazardous Effect of Non-Type Approved Handsets and E-Waste”: impact on the quality of services and E-waste, in Ilorin on Thursday, the executive vice-chairman of the NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, said that the development had negative socioeconomic and health effect on Nigerians.

Represented by the Assistant Director zonal operation of the commission, Mr. Clement Omife, Professor Danbatta said that owners of fake or substandard handsets and devices run the risk of cybercrime danger since digital transaction was not guaranteed.

ALSO READ: Buhari seeks Japanese support to combat piracy

He also said that fake devices are not durable and thus became waste sooner, adding that the e-waste became a danger to the green environment with such health implications like cancer.

The NCC boss, who said that it was collaborating with security agencies and other stakeholders to put an end to the proliferation of fake and counterfeit products in the country, added that the commission had found it necessary to educate the general public on the effect of use non-type approved devices in the country.

Professor Danbatta also said that use of fake devices had a negative impact on the quality of network services, adding that the use of genuine handsets and other devices would help prevent Nigerians from economic loss.

He described the periodic sensitization of consumers by NCC as part of the measures towards curbing the menace associated with the use of fake communications devices.

In his paper presentation titled the “Socio-economic effects of counterfeit devices,” Mr. Chukuma Nwaiwo of the Technical standard and Network Integrity Department of the NCC said the proliferation of fake products and devices has negative effects on both government and the general public.

He said consumers should be aware of the fraud and other crimes associated with the patronage of fake devices and equipment.

Mr. Chukuma urged Nigerians to support the commission in its effort of ensuring that fake and Hazardous devices are prevented from coming into the country.

The sensitization programme was attended by workers of the NCC, security agencies, state government official, civil society groups, corps members.