Nigeria Considers Trust Fund for Telecom Infrastructure Protection

Addressing the Crisis of Telecom Infrastructure Sabotage in Nigeria

Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is facing a growing threat from infrastructure sabotage, prompting telecom providers to explore new strategies for protecting critical assets. As the industry grapples with an alarming rise in attacks on equipment, stakeholders are now considering the establishment of a dedicated fund to support preventive measures and enhance security across the sector.

A recent meeting organized by the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) and the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) brought together key players in the telecom industry. The event aimed to address the urgent need for better safeguards against the increasing incidents of vandalism and theft that are disrupting services nationwide.

During the conference, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) highlighted the severity of the problem. According to Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman of the NCC—represented by Edoyemi Ogoh, director of technical standards and network integrity—major mobile operators are experiencing over 1,100 fibre-optic cuts every week. This level of damage is not only affecting service reliability but also posing risks to national security.

The NCC has been taking steps to mitigate these challenges. The commission is enforcing stricter infrastructure standards for fibre deployment and tower construction. It is also launching nationwide awareness campaigns to educate the public about the consequences of infrastructure sabotage. In addition, the NCC is collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser to ensure that its efforts align with broader national security frameworks.

Dr. Maida emphasized that the impact of these attacks extends beyond telecom companies. “When vandalism occurs, it’s not just operators that lose; ordinary Nigerians feel the impact when banking, healthcare, and emergency systems fail,” he said.

Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of ALTON, echoed these concerns. He criticized telecom operators for not implementing basic security measures such as perimeter fencing or CCTV cameras. Adebayo also pointed to the growing black market for stolen telecom components, which is often fueled by insider collusion.

“We need tougher prosecutions so those caught face the full weight of the law,” he urged. The lack of legal consequences for perpetrators, he argued, has emboldened those involved in the illegal trade of telecom equipment.

In response to the crisis, Chike Onwuegbuchi, chairman of NITRA, proposed the creation of a Telecom Infrastructure Protection Trust Fund. This initiative would provide financial resources for preventative measures, including enhanced security systems and community engagement programs. Onwuegbuchi stressed that educating communities about the costs of vandalism is essential for maintaining connectivity and protecting critical services.

Key Steps Being Taken to Combat the Threat

• Enforcing Stricter Infrastructure Standards: The NCC is working to ensure that all new fibre and tower installations meet higher security and quality benchmarks.
• Launching Awareness Campaigns: Public education initiatives aim to raise awareness about the dangers of infrastructure sabotage and its impact on daily life.
• Collaborating with National Security Agencies: The NCC is aligning its efforts with broader security frameworks to create a more coordinated response to threats.
• Proposing a Trust Fund: A dedicated fund could provide long-term financial support for preventive measures and community outreach.
• Calling for Legal Action: Industry leaders are urging stronger enforcement of laws against those involved in the theft and sale of telecom equipment.

As the telecom sector continues to face these challenges, the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach has never been more urgent. By combining regulatory action, technological upgrades, and community engagement, Nigeria can work towards safeguarding its critical communication infrastructure for the future.