NCC Hails Telecoms Infrastructure Designation as Critical Assets
By Patience Ikpeme
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has praised the federal government for designating telecommunication infrastructure as critical national assets under a presidential order issued in July 2024 by President Bola Tinubu.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the NCC, made this commendation during the 93rd Telecom Consumer Parliament held in Abuja. He emphasized that the classification is pivotal in tackling the persistent issues of vandalism and unauthorized access to telecom infrastructure across Nigeria.
“Vandalism and theft of telecom infrastructure have significantly hindered operators’ ability to deliver quality services to consumers. This presidential order will go a long way in addressing these challenges,” Maida stated.
Highlighting the broader challenges facing the sector, Maida pointed to the rising cost of operations and macroeconomic pressures, which have constrained operators’ capacity to make vital investments. He assured stakeholders that the NCC is actively collaborating with other government arms to tackle these issues and ensure the industry remains sustainable.
“We cannot overlook the effects of the current economic challenges on operators. The Commission is committed to working with stakeholders to find lasting solutions,” Maida said.
Despite these hurdles, Maida highlighted Nigeria’s significant progress in digital adoption over the last two decades. Globally, internet usage has surpassed 5 billion users, with Nigeria accounting for 132 million active connections.
“Nigerians spend an average of 4 hours and 20 minutes daily on social media, far exceeding the global average. This reflects how deeply digital interaction is embedded in our daily lives,” he said.
In 2024, Nigeria’s daily data usage reached an average of 336 gigabytes per second, marking a 39% increase from the previous year—a testament to the nation’s growing reliance on data-driven services.
The transition from basic voice services to innovations like 5G, smart cities, and the Internet of Things (IoT) has further accelerated this adoption.
With the rapid expansion of telecom services, Maida acknowledged growing concerns around data usage and billing transparency. To address these, the NCC introduced audits of the billing systems used by mobile network operators and internet service providers.
“While these audits have shown no significant anomalies, the perception of rapid data depletion persists. To address this, we launched a Joint Industry Campaign on Consumer Awareness, educating users on smarter data management practices,” Maida explained.
The campaign has utilized various media platforms, including radio, television, newspapers, and SMS, to provide practical tips for optimizing data usage.
Maida reiterated the NCC’s commitment to protecting consumer interests and fostering sustainable growth in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
