The [Association of Mobile Phones and Allied Products Traders of Nigeria (AMPAT)](https://www.ampat.org.ng) demanded a 90‑day suspension of the fees levied on imported mobile phones, saying the policy could close shops and endanger millions of jobs across the country. The call was made on Saturday at a press conference in Kano, where the association’s Kano State Chairman, Jamilu Bala Gama, spoke on behalf of National President Sani Tasiu Ibrahim.
**What fees are being imposed?**
Traders report being charged roughly N670 for each low‑cost handset and up to N4,000 for larger devices. Gama illustrated the impact by noting that a phone sold for N10,000 could attract a fee of nearly N4,000 before reaching consumers, dramatically inflating the retail price.
**Why does AMPAT support phone registration?**
The group affirmed its backing of measures aimed at curbing counterfeit and stolen phones, stating, “We want fake phones out of this country. We want stolen phones to become useless. We want criminals to have nowhere to hide.” However, they criticised the way the policy is being rolled out, demanding transparency on the legal basis and the identity of the private firm receiving the payments.
**Which authority is responsible for the policy?**
AMPAT called on the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)](https://www.ncc.gov.ng) to ensure the scheme complies with the Nigerian Communications Act and the Constitution. The association has written to the NCC, petitioned the Senate and House of Representatives, and approached the Kano State governor for intervention.
**What are the association’s five key demands?**
- A 90‑day suspension of the fees and any phone‑blocking measures while stakeholders are consulted.
- Publication of the legal provisions and detailed fee schedule.
- Direct engagement with traders before any implementation.
- An appeal mechanism for users whose devices are wrongly blocked.
- Strict adherence to the rule of law throughout the process.
**What could be the broader economic impact?**
Gama warned that the added costs could push small retailers out of business, depriving apprentices, technicians, transporters and other workers in the mobile‑phone supply chain of income. He stressed that “millions of youths… who have just learnt a trade and opened their first small shop – who will lose their jobs” if the policy proceeds unchanged.
AMPAT concluded by urging the Federal Government, the National Assembly and the Kano State administration to engage traders and devise a solution that safeguards both consumers and legitimate businesses while achieving the intended security goals.