The pervasive use of smartphones in Nigeria has continued despite ongoing economic challenges. However, a growing number of Nigerians are shifting from purchasing brand-new smartphones to opting for foreign used ones, largely due to concerns over the declining quality and durability of recently manufactured devices.
An Economy&Lifestyle investigation revealed that many Nigerians, once staunch supporters of brand-new phones, are losing confidence in their reliability and value. Several citizens shared their experiences, pointing to issues such as quick depreciation, malfunctioning parts, and an increase in repackaged devices masquerading as new.
Mr. Vincent Ibeh, a car dealer, shared his frustrations with his recent phone purchase. He explained how a phone he bought for ₦160,000 began developing faults within six months:
“The charging point started having issues, and soon after, it was the battery. A friend later told me I had purchased a repackaged phone. I switched to a foreign used Android phone, and I haven’t had any issues since.”
Ibeh lamented the state of Nigeria’s economy, suggesting that financial pressures have led to an influx of fake and adulterated products:
“Fake products are everywhere because people want to make money at all costs. Unfortunately, it is the masses like me who suffer the consequences.”
Similarly, Mrs. Florence Johnson, a businesswoman, expressed her dissatisfaction with the short lifespan of her new smartphone. She noted that the battery of her newly purchased device dropped to 60% capacity within six months, while an older model bought abroad retained 75% capacity after two years:
“I had to revert to my old phone. It’s frustrating to see us, as end-users, continually subjected to low-quality products. Locally made phones are not helping matters, and the constant churn of new models further erodes confidence.”
She urged the government to address the issue, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations to ensure consumers get value for their money.
Mrs. Kehinde Salami recounted her ordeal with a brand-new phone that began malfunctioning just weeks after purchase. Attempts to return the device proved futile, with store attendants dismissing her concerns.
“The phone’s screen went blank after three months, and the battery soon followed. I had to ask my sister abroad to send me a phone, and I haven’t faced any issues since switching.”
Electrical engineer Mr. Olawale Omoniyi corroborated these claims, revealing that many supposedly new phones sold in Nigeria are, in fact, repackaged faulty devices:
“These are Nigerian-used phones that have been repaired and repackaged as new. Within a few months, they begin to overheat, have screen issues, or develop other faults. That’s why I stick to foreign used smartphones—they’re often more reliable.”
The trend of repackaging old phones as new highlights the economic challenges faced by both sellers and buyers. Sellers, unable to restock due to high import costs, resort to deceptive practices, while consumers bear the brunt of substandard products.
Many Nigerians are calling on the government to regulate the smartphone market and crack down on the sale of repackaged devices. Stricter quality control measures could help restore trust in locally sold products and protect consumers from exploitation.
For now, the shift toward foreign used smartphones continues, driven by their perceived durability and reliability compared
