In a bold bid to democratise internet access, the Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, has issued a direct challenge to global device manufacturers, promising to personally secure presidential waivers for companies that commit to setting up local production plants in Nigeria.

Speaking at the Digital Africa Summit Roundtable in Shanghai, China on June 24, 2026, Olorunnimbe emphasised that the country can no longer rely on imports to solve its digital access gap.

He made a sweeping, time-bound offer to tech executives, saying: “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.”

This aggressive push comes at a time when device cost, rather than network coverage, has emerged as the single largest barrier keeping millions of Nigerians offline.

Despite boasting over 170 million mobile connections and more than 150 million mobile internet users, a significant portion of the population remains structurally excluded from the digital economy because they cannot afford a modern smartphone.

By localising the production of hardware, the regulatory agency aims to shield consumers from the constant price shocks caused by foreign-exchange fluctuations.

Olorunnimbe explained the economic rationale plainly, stating: “When a device is built with Nigerian raw materials and Nigerian labour, most of its cost is denominated in naira. It stops rising and falling with every move in the dollar.”

This localised device push is intricately tied to a broader vision for public empowerment, notably Olorunnimbe’s widely acclaimed advocacy for ‘zero-rating’ educational websites.

Under this initiative, the NCC is working with stakeholders to ensure that students can access curriculum-relevant and digital skills training platforms completely data-free. In March, Olorunnimbe said, “free data for learning is one of the most direct ways to give the Renewed Hope Agenda practical, daily meaning.”

Industry analysts point out that affordable hardware and free educational data are two sides of the same coin. Locally manufactured smartphones, MiFi devices and routers can be designed to come pre-loaded or embedded with these zero-rated educational platforms, as well as critical government e-services. This seamless integration ensures that when an ordinary citizen acquires a device, it is immediately a tool for human capital development and civic engagement, rather than an ongoing financial burden.

This strategy addresses the systemic failures of previous local assembly attempts, which often suffered from quality issues and a lack of public patronage.

The NCC chief made it clear that the target this time is strict quality parity with imported brands.

“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,” he said.

Backed by refreshed Type Approval Regulations and an upcoming Device Management System, the NCC aims to eliminate the grey market of counterfeit devices and ensure that local factories thrive on real consumer trust. When mass-produced locally, these certified devices will seamlessly support the ongoing deployment of universal school connectivity projects, providing a continuous loop of demand for local factories and functional utility for Nigerian students.

Ultimately, Olorunnimbe and the NCC are proving to be the visionary architects driving Nigeria’s digital future. By aligning regulatory integrity with economic incentives, they are shifting the narrative from passive technology consumption to active local production. This dual commitment to crushing hardware costs through presidential incentives and eliminating data costs for education reflects a profound understanding of digital inclusion. Under this progressive leadership, the NCC is successfully transforming connectivity from a commercial luxury into a foundational, productive right for every Nigerian.