Telecommunications industry leaders have called for urgent action to safeguard Nigeria’s critical telecom infrastructure from vandalism, theft, and regulatory gaps. Speaking at the 7th Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo) Summit in Lagos, they emphasized that while the Executive Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) is a step in the right direction, its effectiveness depends on addressing internal inefficiencies and enforcing industry-wide standards.
Experts highlighted major threats, including infrastructure vandalism, unauthorized installations, and frequent cable theft. They stressed that unless these challenges are tackled, efforts to secure telecom networks will be ineffective.
Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), noted that poor maintenance practices have made telecom infrastructure an easy target for criminals. He cited cases of stolen manhole covers and poles, pointing out that proper installation could reduce such incidents. He also raised concerns about strained relationships between telecom companies and local communities, which have at times obstructed infrastructure projects due to unresolved damages caused by contractors.
Another key challenge is the absence of regulatory approvals for certain telecom installations. Adebayo explained that government agencies often destroy undocumented infrastructure during road construction, resulting in significant losses for operators. He urged telecom companies to work closely with authorities to ensure accountability and prevent unnecessary damage.
Echoing these concerns, Tony Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), highlighted the need for industry-wide standardization. He warned that without properly deployed infrastructure, system failures would be inevitable. Emoekpere also pointed out that Nigeria has strong policies in place, but poor implementation continues to hinder progress.
He urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and take concrete actions to enforce regulations.
Cable theft was another critical issue raised at the summit. Wale Owoeye, CEO of Cedarview Communications Limited, revealed that network operators experience cable cuts every six minutes, often driven by misconceptions that all black cables contain valuable copper. He proposed a combination of community education, stricter legal penalties, and proactive security measures to address the problem.
To strengthen public awareness, Owoeye suggested engaging communities in local languages to highlight the consequences of vandalism. He also called for tougher legal consequences, including long-term imprisonment for offenders, and proposed setting up a dedicated fund to support advocacy campaigns. As part of his commitment, he pledged N500,000 quarterly and encouraged other stakeholders to contribute.
Industry leaders at the summit agreed that securing Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure requires a joint effort between telecom operators, government agencies, and local communities. Strengthening policy enforcement, improving industry coordination, and implementing preventive strategies were identified as key steps toward ensuring long-term stability in the sector.
