NCC warns against counterfeit, non-type approved phones

Assures gender equality, tasks judges on legal matters in emerging techs

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has cautioned consumers against use of non-type approved and counterfeit devices, saying this could negatively affect the quality of experience and make users vulnerable to losses.

The warning followed the agency’s enforcement activities in Kano, where it arrested representatives of three companies responsible for the sale of counterfeit and non-type-approved devices.

The arrested persons have been handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for investigation.
NCC, in a statement, yesterday, informed that the enforcement team arrested Yahaya Ado of Gezawa Communications Limited for selling counterfeit Gionee devices and not being able to show evidence of authorisation granted the company by the commission.

Messrs Nura Ahmed of Saleh Latest Venture and Rufai Nuhu of Al Mansoor Communications were also arrested because they were not licenced to engage in sale and installation of terminal equipment and were unable to show evidence of authorisation.

The non-type-approved phones found during the enforcement include Gionee branded phones with model numbers G800, and L990; H-Mobile phones with model numbers it5606+, H351; FoxKong with model numbers F30, F300; and KGTEL phones with model numbers K2160 and KG1100.

This came as Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring a balanced representation of females in the information technology (IT) ecosystem.
The EVC spoke through Head, Digital Media Management, Nafisa Usman Rugga, at the ICT Quiz Competition for Girls in Senior Secondary Schools, organised by Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT).

There is an urgent need to equip the girl child with adequate knowledge, access and use of IT programmes and services, he said, noting that this will give them needed skills to compete in the digital space.

In a statement, signed by Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, Danbatta said the empowerment programme, in post-commemoration of International Girls in ICT Day, aligns with the commission’s mandate of broadband penetration drive to women in rural and suburban areas for capacity building, employability, increased connectivity, and inclusion for gender equality throughout the country.

The EVC also highlighted the commission’s policies, projects and initiatives that show the importance of bridging gender disparity and ensuring the Internet is a safe space for children.

Also, NCC gathered judges and lawyers in Lagos to intimate them on new trends in emerging technologies and enhance adjudication.
At the 2022 workshop for judges on legal issues in telecommunications, Danbatta said it became necessary for the commission to get the judiciary familiar with issues in emerging technologies, which call for new legal actions that might not be in the laws of the land.

Danbatta said increased reliance on telecoms, as well as growth experienced in the sector, has introduced issues, such as ownership of online content and materials, which requires legal connotation to be discussed by legal experts.

According to him, the workshop would deepen the digital knowledge of judges and judicial officers to adjudicate on conflicts.