The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled plans to make smartphones more affordable in Nigeria, as soaring prices continue to strain consumers.
Speaking in Abuja, the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, admitted that the rising cost of mobile devices has become a major barrier for many Nigerians. He said the regulator is actively exploring ways to introduce cheaper smartphone options into the market.
Smartphone prices in 2026 have climbed sharply, driven by naira depreciation, inflation, and high import costs. Entry-level devices now start at over ₦100,000, while mid-range phones such as the Infinix Hot 60 Pro and Tecno Spark 40 Pro range between ₦150,000 and ₦250,000.
At the top end, prices have surged even further. Premium models now exceed ₦1 million, while foldable devices like Samsung’s Galaxy Z series have crossed ₦1.6 million.
Budget phones, including the Redmi 15C and Samsung Galaxy A07, are now priced between ₦100,000 and ₦200,000. Mid-range devices sit within the ₦200,000 to ₦400,000 bracket, while high-end options such as the Tecno Phantom X5 Pro can exceed ₦550,000.
Despite the price surge, smartphone adoption continues to grow. According to the NCC, more than 52 per cent of users are now on 4G networks, reflecting a steady migration away from older 2G and 3G devices.
“We are looking at how cheaper smartphones can be introduced into the market,” Maida said, adding that Nigeria’s transition to faster connectivity is already gaining momentum.
He also highlighted ongoing reforms in the telecom sector, including tariff simplification and outage reporting systems, aimed at improving transparency and consumer protection.
With living costs rising across the board, the NCC’s intervention could prove critical in determining whether smartphone access remains within reach for millions of Nigerians.
