Globacom Backs NCC’s Drive to Safeguard Nigeria’s Broadband Infrastructure

Telecommunications giant, Globacom Limited, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in strengthening the protection and sustainability of the country’s broadband infrastructure. The company’s pledge aligns with the federal government’s efforts to enhance digital connectivity, promote data security, and safeguard vital telecommunication assets across the nation.

In a statement issued in Lagos, Globacom emphasized that broadband infrastructure forms the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, and protecting it is essential for achieving national development goals. The company expressed full support for the NCC’s initiatives aimed at curbing vandalism, improving network resilience, and ensuring uninterrupted internet access for millions of users nationwide.

According to Globacom, the increasing dependence on digital services — from mobile banking and e-commerce to online education and remote work — makes it imperative to secure critical infrastructure such as fibre-optic cables, base stations, and data centres. “Broadband is the foundation of the nation’s digital transformation. Protecting this infrastructure is a shared responsibility, and we are proud to partner with the NCC to ensure network stability and national connectivity,” the statement read.

Globacom, which operates one of the largest fibre-optic networks in West Africa, reiterated its readiness to collaborate with regulators, law enforcement agencies, and other telecom operators to identify and mitigate threats to broadband infrastructure. The company noted that cases of vandalism, cable theft, and illegal excavation have been major challenges affecting service quality and the expansion of network coverage in rural and urban areas.

Speaking on the issue, Globacom’s Group Executive Director, Mr. Folu Aderibigbe, highlighted the critical role that secure broadband infrastructure plays in driving Nigeria’s economic growth and innovation. He stressed that the company’s commitment to the NCC’s agenda reflects its long-standing dedication to advancing the country’s digital ecosystem.

“Without a secure and robust infrastructure, the dream of a fully digital Nigeria will remain incomplete. We commend the NCC for taking proactive steps to protect telecom facilities nationwide. At Globacom, we have implemented several measures to reinforce our network security, including the use of fibre monitoring systems, GPS-based surveillance, and partnerships with local communities to prevent vandalism,” Aderibigbe explained.

He further revealed that the company is working closely with the NCC and other stakeholders to deploy more resilient network solutions, including underground cabling and the use of advanced encryption technologies to secure data transmission. These efforts, he said, are geared towards ensuring that Nigeria’s broadband expansion targets are met under the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025).

The plan, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, seeks to achieve 70% broadband penetration and ensure affordable high-speed internet access for all Nigerians by 2025. Globacom has been a key player in supporting this vision, having consistently expanded its broadband coverage across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Industry analysts have praised Globacom’s active role in the development of Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure, noting that its investments have significantly contributed to the country’s connectivity growth. The company’s extensive fibre network has not only enhanced broadband penetration but also reduced latency, improved data speeds, and supported the operations of thousands of businesses across multiple sectors.

However, the recurring incidents of infrastructure vandalism continue to pose a serious challenge. Data from the NCC indicate that the telecom industry loses billions of naira annually due to cable cuts, equipment theft, and sabotage. These acts often result in service disruptions, affecting mobile communication, internet connectivity, and even financial transactions.

To address the problem, the NCC recently announced plans to collaborate with security agencies and state governments to classify telecom infrastructure as “critical national assets.” This designation would afford them stronger legal protection and enable the prosecution of offenders under the Terrorism Prevention Act.

Globacom welcomed this move, describing it as a vital step toward ensuring the long-term stability of Nigeria’s digital framework. The company urged other stakeholders — including communities, contractors, and government agencies — to join forces in safeguarding telecom facilities.

“We believe that public awareness and community engagement are key to protecting broadband infrastructure. Our teams regularly collaborate with local leaders to educate residents about the importance of telecom assets and how vandalism harms economic development,” Aderibigbe said.

He added that Globacom’s community partnership model has yielded positive results in several regions, where local vigilance groups now help monitor and report suspicious activities around telecom installations. The initiative, according to him, has significantly reduced incidents of vandalism along major fibre routes.

The NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, recently reiterated the Commission’s commitment to creating a safe and enabling environment for telecom operators. He emphasized that broadband infrastructure is central to Nigeria’s digital economy agenda and called for greater industry cooperation to prevent disruptions.

Dr. Maida noted that the Commission is working to enhance its monitoring systems, develop a unified database of telecom infrastructure, and introduce stricter penalties for offenders. “We are determined to protect the investments made by operators like Globacom, MTN, Airtel, and others. The safety of broadband infrastructure is fundamental to achieving our national digital goals,” he said.

Globacom has also expressed its readiness to share technical expertise with government agencies to strengthen network surveillance and infrastructure mapping. The company’s digital tools enable real-time tracking of network disruptions and automatic rerouting of data traffic to minimize downtime during emergencies.

In addition to security measures, Globacom continues to invest in expanding broadband accessibility, particularly in rural and underserved regions. Its recent deployment of new fibre links across northern Nigeria is expected to connect millions of people and enhance the quality of digital services.

The telecom giant’s continuous investments are part of its broader mission to promote inclusive growth and technological advancement in Nigeria. By ensuring that broadband infrastructure is both secure and widely available, Globacom is helping to lay the groundwork for the nation’s future in digital innovation, e-commerce, education, and financial inclusion.

 

In conclusion, Globacom’s strong support for the NCC’s broadband protection initiative highlights the importance of collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. As the nation races toward achieving its broadband penetration goals, the combined efforts of telecom operators, regulators, and communities will determine the sustainability of Nigeria’s digital transformation. With Globacom at the forefront, the future of broadband connectivity in Nigeria looks increasingly resilient and secure.