In a move aimed at safeguarding the nation’s digital backbone, leading telecommunications companies in Nigeria have established an Industry Working Group dedicated to the protection of critical telecom infrastructure. This initiative comes as a direct response to the alarming rise in fibre cuts, equipment theft, and widespread vandalization that threaten the stability and quality of telecommunication services across the country.
The formation of this collaborative group, under the auspices of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), was solidified during a crucial meeting hosted by IHS Nigeria in Lagos. This gathering brought together key stakeholders, including regulators and law enforcement agencies, to address the escalating challenges facing the industry.
“The protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) has been a critical concern for all industry stakeholders,” stated Dapo Otunla, Senior Vice President & Chief Corporate Services Officer of IHS Nigeria. “We are experiencing daily losses of assets, which significantly impact on the quality of service delivered to subscribers. Addressing these issues is paramount to sustaining Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and meeting regulatory expectations.”
The newly formed Working Group is set to tackle several key issues:
- Vandalization and Theft: Implementing stronger security measures around telecommunication sites and leveraging technology for real-time monitoring.
- Fibre Cuts: Addressing the problem of fibre cuts caused by road construction and other activities.
- Arbitrary Shutdowns: Working to prevent the unauthorized shutdown of base stations.
- Access Denial: Mitigating the denial of access to infrastructure by unauthorized individuals.
The group will prioritize collaboration with security and regulatory agencies to ensure effective mitigation of these challenges. Furthermore, they plan to launch public awareness campaigns to educate host communities and the general public on the importance of protecting telecom infrastructure.
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This industry-led initiative aligns with the Nigerian government’s recent designation of telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). In August of last year, President Bola Tinubu signed the ‘Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, 2024’, making it a criminal offense to wilfully destroy such infrastructure.
“This gazette is a significant step that would strengthen and protect investments in the ICT sector,” emphasized the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani.
The collaborative effort underscores the industry’s commitment to ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential communication services, which are vital for national security, economic growth, and social cohesion. As I observe these developments, it is clear that such proactive measures are critical to secure the digital future of Nigeria.
