Nigeria Pushes for Regional Action on Telecom Infrastructure Security
By Patience Ikpeme
Nigeria has called on West African nations to join forces and develop a comprehensive strategy to protect critical telecommunications infrastructure, particularly undersea cables, following recent disruptions caused by cable cuts.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), made the proposal during a statement delivered at the 21st West Africa Telecommunications Regulatory Assembly (WATRA) Annual General Meeting held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Dr. Maida emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing a report by Cloudflare indicating that several West African countries were still experiencing outages due to recent submarine cable cuts. These disruptions highlight the vulnerability of the region’s connectivity and the need for a coordinated response.
Maida argued that securing telecom infrastructure is essential for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and fostering investor confidence. Reliable and resilient networks are crucial factors for businesses considering opportunities in West Africa.
“A secure telecoms infrastructure not only facilitates efficient communication and connectivity but also signals a commitment to safeguarding critical assets essential for business operations,” Maida stated. “This assurance can significantly boost investor confidence and create a conducive environment for sustainable economic development.”
Dr. Maida proposed a multi-pronged approach to address this challenge: Establish a framework for collaboratively monitoring undersea cables, mitigating risks, and developing emergency response procedures; Empower the WATRA Working Group on Infrastructure to spearhead the development of a comprehensive strategy to safeguard the subregion’s telecommunications infrastructure.
The working group’s goals would include: Strengthening regional infrastructure resilience; Promoting diversification of connectivity options to reduce reliance on single points of failure; Conducting regular assessments of the region’s telecom infrastructure; Advocating for the designation of telecommunications infrastructure as critical national infrastructure in member states.
The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) plays a key role in promoting cooperation amongst West African nations in the telecommunications sector. Established in 2002, WATRA works to: encourage regulations that stimulate investment in telecommunication infrastructure and deliver affordable, accessible, faster, and secure communication services to citizens.
The recent AGM also saw the re-election of Nigeria’s Engr. Yusuf Aliyu Aboki for a second term as WATRA’s Executive Secretary, a testament to his leadership in driving the organization’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan.
Nigeria’s call for regional action on telecom security reflects the growing importance of robust and resilient infrastructure in today’s digital world. By working together, West African nations can create a more secure and attractive environment for investment and economic growth.
