Ikenna Ikeme, General Manager of Regulatory Affairs at MTN Nigeria, has emphasized the need for Nigerians and government authorities to view telecommunications infrastructure not as private company assets but as essential national property deserving the highest protection.
Speaking during a session of the MTN Media Innovation Programme held in Lagos, Ikeme drew from his extensive industry and regulatory experience to highlight the growing importance of telecom facilities in national development. He stated, “Telecom infrastructure should be safeguarded with the same seriousness we apply to critical national infrastructure. You cannot destroy or shut it down every time there’s a grievance.”
Ikeme lauded the Nigerian government’s recent move to officially designate telecom infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, a decision he believes will help deter vandalism and ensure greater operational stability across the sector.
“The government’s recognition is a positive step forward. With this protection, we hope to see fewer incidents of damage and a more secure environment for telecom services to thrive,” he added.
Looking to the future, Ikeme reaffirmed MTN’s long-term commitment to Nigeria, noting, “We’re here to stay, to grow, and to keep adding value to Nigeria’s progress.”
He concluded by calling for greater collaboration with the media in shaping informed, constructive narratives around the telecommunications industry as it continues to evolve.
