…As NCC rallies stakeholder support to protect infrastructure
The Federal Government has declared that any disruption, whether through vandalism, accidental damage during construction work, theft of equipment, denial of access to maintenance teams, or interruptions in the supply of essential operational materials of Telecommunications infrastructure, has far-reaching implications for service delivery, economic stability, and national security.
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who stated this on the heels of a successful mediation by his Office in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), emphasised that Telecommunications infrastructure remains the backbone of the country’s connectivity and digital economy.
This was as the NCC reiterated its commitment to the full operationalisation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), which designates telecommunications facilities as critical national assets deserving optimal protection.
The collaboration between the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the NCC resulted in the suspension of a planned strike by the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA).
The earlier planned, but suspended strike would have disrupted the supply of diesel to telecommunications sites nationwide, severely affecting network operators’ ability to power their diesel-driven generators and maintain uninterrupted connectivity.
In the days leading up to the resolution, the ONSA, under the leadership of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, held strategic engagements with NOGASA’s leadership, with the Commission providing technical and regulatory guidance to highlight the potential implications of service disruptions on national security, the economy, and everyday life.
A statement by Nnenna Ukoha Head, Public Affairs of NCC, said that the discussions culminated in an agreement to call off the industrial action, averting what could have been a nationwide disruption of telecom services.
It further stated; “Telecommunications infrastructure is the backbone of our connectivity and digital economy. Any disruption, whether through vandalism, accidental damage during construction work, theft of equipment, denial of access to maintenance teams, or interruptions in the supply of essential operational materials, has far-reaching implications for service delivery, economic stability, and national security,” the NSA said.
The NCC expressed appreciation to the ONSA for its leadership and dedication to protecting national assets and commended the maturity and understanding demonstrated by relevant stakeholders in recognising the national importance of telecommunications services.
In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the Commission will continue to enforce strict compliance by its licensees with technical standards for the deployment and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure, while working closely with relevant stakeholders to strengthen awareness and cooperation on their protection.
Maida said; “We also recognise mediation as an effective tool for building consensus among stakeholders. This resolution underscores the importance of dialogue in preventing avoidable service disruptions.
“Ultimately, we call on all Nigerians to regard telecom infrastructure as a shared national asset, one that underpins our ability to connect with loved ones, transact businesses, access healthcare, pursue education, and participate in the global digital economy,” he said.
The Commission also assured that it would continue to coordinate with security agencies, industry stakeholders, and the public to ensure that Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure remains protected, resilient, and reliable for all.
