Telecom Experts Outline Steps to Secure National Infrastructure
By Patience Ikpeme
Telecom Industry experts have identified crucial measures necessary to safeguard telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria and protect investments within the sector.
While the effective implementation of the Executive Order on the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) is considered important, experts argue that the order alone cannot ensure infrastructure security without addressing internal and standardization challenges faced by operators.
At the 7th Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo) Summit on CNII implementation, held in Lagos, industry leaders discussed issues such as infrastructure vandalism, unauthorized installations, and cable theft, and proposed practical solutions to protect critical national infrastructure.
Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), spoke about the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and installation to prevent vandalism and theft.
He noted the prevalence of stolen manhole covers and poles, attributing the problem to inadequate maintenance. “When properly installed, these components are difficult to remove. However, due to negligence, they are often left unsecured, making them easy targets for theft,” he said.
Adebayo also pointed to community resistance to infrastructure projects as a significant obstacle. He cited instances where local communities blocked access to project sites due to previous unresolved damages caused by contractors.
“A diesel supplier was prevented from entering an estate because a previous contractor had damaged their property and failed to make repairs. This lack of accountability breeds distrust and delays crucial projects,” he explained. He urged stakeholders to improve community relations to avoid such conflicts.
Another key issue raised by Adebayo was the unauthorized installation of infrastructure without government approval, which leads to unintentional damage during road construction.
“Government agencies often damage unregistered infrastructure because they were not documented in official records. Proper approvals and collaboration with authorities will ensure accountability and protection of critical infrastructure,” he said. He called for better industry coordination to resolve these issues before relying on the CNII provisions.
Tony Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), spoke about the need for standardization and improved stakeholder coordination.
He stated that Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges extend beyond technical issues, encompassing environmental and ethical concerns.
“We are dealing with a moral challenge. An engineer who switched from diesel to gas generators encountered a new problem—workers began stealing engine oil instead, as they could no longer siphon diesel. These issues require both technical and ethical solutions,” he said.
Emoekpere argued that standardization is essential for long-term sustainability. “If infrastructure is deployed in a suboptimal manner, failure is inevitable. We need to establish proper standards that all stakeholders—government, private sector, and the public—can align with,” he stated.
He also noted that while Nigeria has robust policies, implementation remains a challenge. “We must move beyond discussions and focus on actionable steps, follow-ups, and policy enforcement,” he added.
Wale Owoeye, CEO of Cedarview Communications Limited, addressed cable theft and vandalism. He described the frequent cable cuts that disrupt network operations and increase maintenance costs.
“Cable theft is a serious issue. Airtel representatives told me they experience a cable cut every six minutes. The assumption that all black cables contain valuable copper leads to reckless vandalism,” he said.
Owoeye proposed three key approaches to combat this problem: reorientation, enforcement, and proactive measures.
“We need to engage local communities in their native languages, educating them on the consequences of vandalism. Strict legal penalties, including long-term imprisonment, should be enforced to deter offenders,” he said.
He also noted the need for preventive strategies. “Prevention is always more effective and cost-efficient than restoration,” he noted.
Owoeye suggested the creation of a dedicated fund to support advocacy and awareness campaigns. He pledged to contribute N500,000 quarterly as a seed fund and encouraged other industry players to participate.
The speakers collectively called for collaboration among industry players, government agencies, and local communities to address these challenges. They advocated for policy enforcement, stakeholder engagement, and practical solutions to ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s telecommunication infrastructure.
