By correspondent in Lagos.
Telecom industry experts have warned that while the Executive Order on the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) is essential, it is not enough to safeguard telecom investments without addressing key internal challenges.
Speaking at the 7th Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo) Summit on CNII implementation in Lagos, stakeholders highlighted pressing threats, including vandalism, unauthorized installations, and cable theft. They proposed concrete solutions to protect critical national infrastructure.
Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), stressed that infrastructure security begins with proper installation and maintenance.
He pointed out that stolen manhole covers and utility poles often result from negligence.
“When infrastructure is installed correctly, it’s difficult to remove. Unfortunately, many are left unsecured, making them easy targets for theft,” Adebayo said. He also noted that resistance from local communities has hindered telecom projects, citing cases where contractors’ past damages led to distrust and project delays.
He recounted an instance where a diesel supplier was denied access to an estate because a previous contractor had damaged property without compensation. “If we don’t build trust with communities, infrastructure deployment will remain a challenge,” he warned.
Adebayo also criticized the unauthorized installation of telecom infrastructure without government approvals, leading to frequent damage during road construction. He urged operators to ensure proper documentation and compliance to prevent losses.
Tony Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for standardization across the industry. He argued that infrastructure failures often stem from inconsistent deployment practices.
“We have a moral challenge, not just a technical one,” he said, recounting how a company that switched from diesel to gas generators still faced theft—this time of engine oil. “If we don’t address these behavioral issues, no amount of policy can guarantee security.”
Emoekpere called for stronger enforcement of local content policies, urging the industry to move beyond discussions and focus on concrete actions. “Nigeria has good policies, but implementation remains the problem. We must prioritize enforcement and accountability,” he added.
Wale Owoeye, CEO of Cedarview Communications Limited, raised alarm over the rising frequency of cable vandalism, revealing that some operators experience cable cuts every six minutes. “The assumption that all black cables contain valuable copper has led to reckless destruction,” he said.
To curb the menace, Owoeye proposed a three-pronged approach: community reorientation, stricter legal enforcement, and proactive security measures. He suggested educating local communities in their native languages about the consequences of vandalism and advocating for harsher penalties, including long-term imprisonment for offenders.
As part of a proactive solution, Owoeye pledged to contribute N500,000 quarterly to an industry-wide advocacy fund aimed at protecting telecom infrastructure. “This is a seed that, with collective effort, can grow into a lasting solution,” he said, urging other stakeholders to follow suit.
The experts collectively agreed that securing Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure requires collaboration between operators, government agencies, and local communities.
They called for a unified approach to enforcing policies, engaging stakeholders, and implementing sustainable security measures.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
