The Association of Mobile Phones and Allied Products Traders of Nigeria (AMPAT) has urged the Federal Government to suspend phone registration fees for 120 days to allow consultations with industry stakeholders.
The association also called for transparency over the legal basis for the charges, an appeals process for wrongly blocked devices and an end to alleged threats against traders.
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Speaking on the policy, AMPAT Kano State Chapter Chairman, Alhaji Sani Tasiu Ibrahim, said the association supported efforts to eliminate counterfeit and stolen phones from the Nigerian market.
However, he expressed concern that proposed fees ranging from about ₦670 for smaller phones to nearly ₦4,000 for larger devices could increase costs for traders and consumers.
He warned that the charges could disproportionately affect low-income earners and students who rely on affordable mobile phones.
Alhaji Sani urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to publish the regulations and fee schedule governing the charges, including details of how the fees would be imposed, collected and utilised.
The AMPAT chairman said the mobile phone trade contributed billions of naira to the national economy through taxes, customs duties and other commercial activities.
The sector also provides employment for young people, technicians, repairers, apprentices and other workers.
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He warned that implementing the policy without adequate consultation could force small businesses to close, disrupt apprenticeship programmes and threaten livelihoods.
Alhaji Sani stressed that AMPAT was not opposed to phone registration or efforts to curb illegal trading but wanted the policy implemented transparently and in accordance with the law.
The association called for a 120-day suspension of registration fees and enforcement measures, the publication of the legal provisions supporting the charges, and meaningful engagement with industry stakeholders.
It also demanded an accessible appeals process for owners whose phones are wrongly blocked, including cases involving routine repairs.
Alhaji Sani further alleged that foreign companies might be seeking to undermine indigenous mobile phone marketers through the policy, but provided no evidence to substantiate the claim.
He disclosed that AMPAT had written to the NCC, petitioned the Senate and House of Representatives, and approached the Kano State Government to seek a resolution.
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He urged the Federal Government, the National Assembly and the Kano State Government to intervene, warning that efforts to combat counterfeit and stolen phones should not penalise legitimate traders.
FRCN