Telecom experts call for urgent action to protect critical infrastructure
Key players in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry have called for urgent measures to safeguard critical infrastructure, stressing that while the Executive Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) is important, internal challenges such as vandalism, unauthorized installations, and weak enforcement must first be addressed.
Speaking at the 7th Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo) in Lagos, industry leaders highlighted major threats facing telecom infrastructure. ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, noted that poor installation and maintenance practices make manhole covers and poles easy targets for theft, while unresolved community grievances often lead to resistance against telecom projects.
Adebayo recounted cases where telecom service trucks were denied access due to past damages caused by contractors. He urged stakeholders to improve community relations, emphasizing that better engagement would prevent disruptions and foster cooperation in infrastructure deployment.
Another major concern raised was unauthorized infrastructure installations, which often result in destruction during road construction projects. Adebayo stressed the need for proper documentation and collaboration with government agencies to prevent unnecessary damage and ensure accountability.
ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere, underscored the importance of standardization in infrastructure deployment, warning that poorly executed projects are bound to fail. He also highlighted ethical concerns, citing incidents where workers resorted to stealing engine oil after diesel generators were replaced with gas-powered ones, illustrating deeper moral challenges in the industry.
Wale Owoeye, CEO of Cedarview Communications Limited, described cable theft as a growing crisis, revealing that Airtel experiences a cable cut every six minutes. He proposed a three-pronged solution: public awareness campaigns, strict legal penalties, and proactive prevention strategies to curb vandalism.
To support awareness initiatives, Owoeye pledged to contribute N500,000 quarterly as a seed fund and encouraged other industry players to do the same. He stressed that prevention is more cost-effective than restoration, urging telecom operators to invest in long-term security measures.
The speakers collectively called for stronger collaboration between industry stakeholders, government agencies, and local communities. They emphasized that addressing vandalism, enforcing policies, and implementing practical solutions are critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure.
