NCC Moves to Safeguard Telecom Infrastructure Nationwide

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed plans to roll out fresh measures aimed at protecting telecommunications infrastructure across the country, as part of efforts to strengthen service quality, ensure network resilience, and safeguard billions of naira worth of investments in the sector. The development comes against a backdrop of recurring vandalism, theft, and community interference, which continue to undermine the smooth operation of telecom services nationwide.

According to the Commission, telecom facilities such as base transceiver stations, optic fibre cables, power generators, and transmission equipment remain critical to Nigeria’s communication backbone. However, persistent challenges including sabotage, fibre cuts, theft of diesel and batteries, and even destruction during civil works or construction projects have significantly disrupted services. Officials note that these acts not only result in financial losses for telecom operators but also compromise the quality of service available to subscribers, leading to call drops, slow internet speeds, and extended outages.

In response, the NCC is intensifying its advocacy and regulatory frameworks to ensure telecom infrastructure is granted the same level of protection as national security assets. The Commission stressed that such facilities are central to Nigeria’s socio-economic development, supporting banking transactions, digital trade, e-governance, education, security operations, and emergency response systems. With over 220 million active mobile subscribers and a fast-growing digital economy, protecting infrastructure has become non-negotiable.

Speaking on the planned interventions, the NCC explained that part of the approach involves working with security agencies, state governments, local communities, and telecom operators to establish stronger monitoring systems and rapid response mechanisms. It also intends to ramp up the use of technology to detect and track vandalism in real-time, thereby reducing response times and minimising service disruption. This, the Commission said, would help foster an environment where telecom investments can thrive without undue threats.

Furthermore, the NCC reiterated its commitment to enforcing the provisions of the Cybercrime Act 2015 and other relevant regulations, which classify telecom facilities as Critical National Infrastructure. Under this law, any person found guilty of willfully damaging telecom installations faces severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment. The Commission noted that strengthening enforcement and prosecution of offenders would serve as a deterrent to those engaged in the sabotage of public infrastructure.

The telecom regulator also highlighted the importance of community sensitisation. It pointed out that several cases of damage to telecom assets often occur in rural and semi-urban areas, sometimes due to ignorance or mistaken beliefs that such facilities pose health or environmental hazards. By engaging host communities through awareness campaigns, the NCC hopes to foster greater appreciation of the role these facilities play in providing vital services and generating economic opportunities.

Operators in the sector have welcomed the NCC’s renewed stance, emphasising that the losses incurred from vandalism and sabotage run into billions of naira annually. They stressed that stolen batteries, generators, and diesel supplies not only affect their financial sustainability but also increase operational costs, which in turn impacts consumers who already face multiple economic challenges. Some operators added that increased protection of telecom assets would help them expand faster into underserved and unserved areas, supporting Nigeria’s target of achieving 70% broadband penetration by 2025.

Industry analysts agree that securing telecom infrastructure is critical to sustaining Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda. They note that as government agencies and private businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery has become a matter of national importance. Analysts further observe that without adequate safeguards, the disruptions caused by vandalism could erode investor confidence, slow down broadband expansion, and hinder Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

The NCC’s strategy is also expected to align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which identifies digital infrastructure and broadband connectivity as pillars of national development. By prioritising infrastructure protection, the Commission is not only ensuring better quality of service for citizens but also helping Nigeria build a stronger base for e-commerce, fintech innovation, remote work, and other emerging opportunities in the knowledge economy.

However, stakeholders caution that regulation alone may not be sufficient. They argue that the Commission must work closely with law enforcement agencies to guarantee strict enforcement of existing laws, while also ensuring operators adopt best practices in securing their facilities. Suggestions include installing surveillance cameras, using tamper-proof technologies, embedding tracking devices in critical equipment, and deploying community-based security arrangements to prevent theft or sabotage.

There are also calls for more innovative financing mechanisms to strengthen infrastructure resilience. With Nigeria seeking to attract billions of dollars in foreign direct investment into its digital economy, investors will demand assurances that their assets are protected. By combining legal enforcement, public-private partnerships, and technology-driven monitoring, stakeholders believe the NCC can create a more stable and attractive operating environment.

In conclusion, the NCC’s plan to safeguard telecom infrastructure represents a crucial step toward addressing one of the industry’s most pressing challenges. Protecting critical assets not only ensures uninterrupted service delivery to millions of Nigerians but also secures the backbone of the nation’s digital economy. With the right mix of enforcement, technology, and community collaboration, the Commission is optimistic that Nigeria can reduce the risks facing its telecom infrastructure and guarantee a future where digital services are reliable, resilient, and accessible to all.