Samsung Postpones Launch of Galaxy Note7 in Nigeria, Begins Replacement

Emma Okonji

Samsung Electronics West Africa Limited has announced the postponement of the planned launch of Samsung Galaxy Note7 in Nigeria. This is sequel to the postponement of sales of the device globally due to its battery cell problems.

Few weeks after Samsung launched its latest mobile phone, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, in August, 2, 2016, in markets outside Nigeria, the company discovered a major challenge with the mobile phone battery and advised consumers to stop using the mobile phone, and to immediately participate in a replacement programme, following further reports of the phones catching fire, due to defect in its battery.

Samsung lost $22 billion in market capitalisation due to the anomaly in the battery setup, according to Bloomberg.

The call came after the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommended on that consumers stop using the smartphone and major airlines globally banned its use during flights.
Following the situation, Samsung issued a recall for Galaxy Note 7 smartphone in early September in 10 markets, including the US and South Korea, following reported cases that the battery of Galaxy Note 7 phone burst into flames after fully charged.

On September 2, 2016, Samsung had announced an official Galaxy Note7 replacement programme due to a rare battery cell manufacturing error which had led to a few reported incidents.

In a statement, the company said: “since customers’ safety is our top priority, all Galaxy Note7 purchased are eligible for replacement despite the original place of purchase.” Although the Galaxy Note7 has not been released in Nigeria, the current Galaxy Note7 users were also advised to visit the nearest Samsung authorised service centre for immediate assistance about the replacement programme.

“We acknowledge the inconvenience this may have caused in the market, but this is to ensure that Samsung continues to deliver the highest quality products to Samsung customers. Samsung is completely committed to fixing this problem and ensuring the highest level of safety and satisfaction for its customers,” the statement further said.

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