The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, has lamented the rising incidents of fibre optics damages and thefts in the telecommunications industry in view of the multidimensional negative implications for the current drive to digitalize the economy and boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The EVC listed some of the major infrastructure challenges in the industry as including frequent fibre cuts, vandalism, and theft which, he noted, were costing the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) billions of Naira in revenue and repair expenses.
The industry regulator, who expressed his concern about the undesirable development in a statement on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle @Dr_AminuMaida on Monday, however thanked President Bola Tinubu; the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijjani for their sustained efforts aimed at protecting the nation’s critical information infrastructure and supporting economic stability.
He stated: “Earlier today, I had the honor of delivering the Keynote Address at the launch of the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Protection and Resilience Workshop, organized by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“This workshop series will drive the urgent implementation of the CNII Executive Order signed by President @officialABAT—a major step towards securing Nigeria’s communications and digital infrastructure.
“As the telecoms regulator, we’re encouraged by this Order and express our gratitude to His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Mallam @NuhuRibadu Nuhu Ribadu, and Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (@FMCIDENigeria), Dr. @bosuntijani, for their dedication to protecting our nation’s critical information infrastructure and supporting economic stability.
“The telecom industry faces significant challenges, including frequent fibre cuts, vandalism, and theft, which cost operators billions of Naira in revenue and billions of Naira in repair expenses.
“Additionally, restricted access to telecom facilities by property owners and government entities hampers network expansion efforts, limiting connectivity and impacting service quality.
“With this Executive Order, we now have a framework to address these issues collaboratively. We will prioritize raising awareness and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders to safeguard our national assets and ensure resilient, secure communications for all Nigerians”, the EVC added.
