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Importation of Sim Cards Now Officially a Crime, Says FG
Nigeria

Importation of Sim Cards Now Officially a Crime, Says FG

by  Segun Adeyemi 2 min read
  • The federal government of Nigeria has officially announced that the importation of sim cards is illegal
  • The announcement was made in Lagos on Monday, August 1 by the minister of communication and digital economy, Prof. Isa Pantami
  • Pantami also stated that the planned excise duty on telecom companies by the federal government will not be tolerated

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Lagos - Nigeria will no longer import sim cards from overseas, the minister of communication and digital economy, Prof. Isa Pantami said.

Pantami made this disclosure in Lagos, on Monday, August 1 while speaking at the Nigerian Telecommunications Indigenous Content Expo (NTICE).

Sim, Pantami
While speaking at the event, the minister stated that the planned implementation of the 5% excise duties on telecom companies will not be accepted. Photo: Isa Pantami
Source: Twitter

As gathered by our Legit.ng’s regional reporter who was present, the event was organized by the Nigeria Office for Developing Indigenous Telecoms Sector (NODITS) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

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Pantani stated that the importation of sim cards into the country is officially a crime as the country has commenced the production of locally made sim cards.

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He further stated that the country is targeting a locally dominated market in ICT commodities of at least 80% by 2025 for a self-reliant economy.

Pantami rejects FG's of 5% excise duty on data, calls, others

Similarly, the minister also reacted to the federal government's plan to implement a 5% excise duty on telecom companies in Nigeria.

He said:

“I have not been contacted officially. If we are, we surely will state our case. The sector that contributes to the economy should be encouraged.
“If u look at it carefully the sector contributes two percent excise duty, 7.5 percent VAT to the economy and you want to add, more. Adding hardship at this time cannot be tolerated."

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Telecom companies reject enforcement of excise duties by FG

In a similar development, telecom associations and companies at a forum with the federal government rejected the implementation of the excise duties on the sector.

Telecom subscribers are now expected to pay 5% excise duties in a bid to raise revenue for the federal government.

It was gathered that the decision was necessary following the recent state of economic down-turn in the country.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Segun Adeyemi avatar

Segun Adeyemi (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Segun Adeyemi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience as an active field reporter, editor, and editorial manager. He has had stints with Daily Trust newspaper, Daily Nigerian, and News Digest. He currently works as an editor for Legit.ng's current affairs and politics desk. He holds a degree in Mass Communication (Adekunle Ajasin University). He is a certified digital reporter by Reuters, AFP and the co-convener of the annual campus journalism awards. Email: segun.adeyemi@corp.legit.ng.

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