ALTON Advocates for Local Smartphone Production in Nigeria

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has endorsed the Nigerian Communications Commission's (NCC) initiative to promote local smartphone manufacturing as a critical step towards expanding broadband access and deepening digital inclusion in Nigeria. ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo stated that local smartphone production is essential for stimulating industry growth and creating job opportunities, positioning Nigeria as a technology manufacturing hub in Africa.

He noted that Nigeria's shift from primarily consuming technology to producing and exporting digital technology is vital. Adebayo stressed the importance of genuine knowledge transfer, research, and development in product engineering and software development.

He also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in modern manufacturing, which presents significant opportunities for Nigeria to enhance its competitiveness in the global technology industry. Furthermore, Adebayo identified the proliferation of counterfeit devices as a major challenge facing Nigeria's telecommunications sector.