High Customs Duty Hinders Mobile Phone Affordability in Nigeria

The Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association (PAPDA) has raised concerns about the high customs duty on imported mobile phones, which is making them increasingly unaffordable for Nigerians. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Lagos, Mr. Ebiem Samuel, the President of PAPDA, stated that reducing customs duty would lower prices, stimulate sales, and make devices more accessible.

He emphasized that the rising costs are particularly burdensome for low-income earners who rely on mobile phones for communication, education, and business. Samuel called on the Federal Government to review the customs duty regime, arguing that lower charges would foster growth in the phone market.

He also mentioned that additional costs, such as logistics, further inflate prices after customs duties are paid. Furthermore, he noted that Nigeria is not adequately prepared for local assembly of mobile phones due to insufficient infrastructure and urged the government to create a conducive environment for local production while addressing import-related costs.