The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has sounded the alarm over a troubling rise in the destruction of telecommunications infrastructure across the country, disclosing that major operators such as MTN, Airtel, and 9mobile now report an average of 1,100 fibre cuts every week.
This revelation was made during the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) and Sustainability Conference held on Thursday in Lagos. The event, jointly organised by the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) and the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), addressed the growing threat to national ICT assets under the theme: “Critical National ICT Infrastructure and Industry Sustainability: Way Forward.”
Delivering the keynote on behalf of NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Mr. Edoyemi Ogoh, noted that operators also encounter an average of 545 weekly cases of access denial and 99 theft incidents—factors that undermine service quality and pose a threat to national security.
“These figures go beyond mere statistics—they point to a national emergency. Each fibre cut and theft translates to service interruptions, failed financial transactions, hindered emergency responses, and significant economic loss,” Maida warned.
Impact on Nigeria’s Digital Economy
Highlighting the implications, Maida said the damage to telecom infrastructure is a major obstacle to Nigeria’s digital transformation. With the economy increasingly dependent on stable and efficient digital networks, acts of vandalism and sabotage are slowing down national progress.
“Our fibre optics, towers, and data centres are the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy. Disruptions to them have widespread consequences,” he stressed.
He further noted that telecommunications infrastructure has been officially designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) by President Bola Tinubu, under Section 3 of the Cybersecurity Act, placing a shared responsibility on telecom providers, citizens, and government agencies to ensure protection.
In response to the crisis, the Commission is implementing a comprehensive strategy that includes technical enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with security agencies. He added that the NCC is actively monitoring compliance with infrastructure deployment standards and has launched nationwide sensitisation efforts through radio, social media, and other platforms.
“We want every Nigerian to understand that telecom vandalism doesn’t just hurt big corporations—it directly affects everyday life, including access to hospitals, banking services, and emergency communications,” he added.
Industry Leaders Call for Accountability
ALTON Chairman, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, backed the NCC’s concerns, urging telecom operators to take stronger internal measures to protect their facilities. He condemned the lack of basic security features such as perimeter fencing, padlocks, and surveillance at many sites.
He also decried the emergence of a black market for stolen telecom components like batteries, cables, and generators, some of which are allegedly sold by insiders with system knowledge.
“The availability of stolen telecom assets in local markets only fuels this crisis. Offenders must be apprehended and prosecuted without delay,” Adebayo stated.
Meanwhile, NITRA Chairman, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, called for the establishment of a Telecom Infrastructure Protection Trust Fund—modelled after security trust funds—to finance protective measures and community awareness campaigns.
“Educating communities about the harmful effects of vandalism is essential. These actions cut off vital services like communications, banking, and emergency response,” Onwuegbuchi said.
As Nigeria strives to deepen its digital economy, stakeholders agree that a coordinated, well-enforced approach is essential to safeguarding the country’s critical telecom infrastructure.
