Nigeria's IMEI registry threatens higher smartphone prices

Nigeria's NCC is rolling out a Device Management System requiring all SIM-enabled phones to be registered by IMEI before sale or network activation. Validation fees run about ₦670 ($0.51) for budget devices and over ₦3,700 ($2.80) for premium ones, but importers could add ₦15,000–20,000 to retail prices.

• IMEI registration required before sale and network activation
• Fees: ₦670 ($0.51) for budget phones, ₦3,700 ($2.80) for premium
• Importers may add ₦15,000–20,000 ($11–15) to device prices
• Budget phones already rose from ₦50–100k to ₦75–150k