Stakeholders Call on Nigerian Government to Protect Telecom Infrastructure

Abuja — Key stakeholders in the telecommunications sector have called on the federal government to take responsibility for securing telecommunications infrastructure, which has recently been classified as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). This request comes from industry leaders, including major telecommunications infrastructure companies like IHS Towers, the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). They believe that federal oversight will help mitigate the rampant activities of equipment vandals across the nation.

During the recent IHS-sponsored breakout session titled "Protecting Critical National Infrastructure: Securing Nigeria's Telecommunications Sector for Sustainable Growth," held at the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (#NES30) in Abuja, stakeholders emphasized the urgency of implementing the designation and protection outlined in the Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, 2024. They pointed out that the federal government had previously taken responsibility for safeguarding telecom assets, particularly when the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) was not yet privatized. The transition of these critical assets to private ownership has left them vulnerable to vandalism.

Mr. Dapo Otunla, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer at IHS Nigeria, highlighted the importance of strengthening the core infrastructure that drives Nigeria's digital economy by protecting telecommunications infrastructure. He stressed that safeguarding these assets is crucial for meeting the current administration's digital economy targets and called for collaborative strategies to defend them against vandalism, theft, and cyberattacks.

Otunla stated, "By working together, we can develop a robust Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan (CNIIPP) to secure the future of our telecommunications infrastructure." He expressed pride in IHS's leadership role in this initiative, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to fortifying Nigeria's digital backbone.

He added, "As we shape strategies for protecting Nigeria's digital backbone, let us also focus on strengthening the ecosystem that drives national security and digital growth. Together, we can build a more secure, sustainable, and connected future for Nigeria." He underscored that their mission-critical communications infrastructure supports mobile network operators in providing wireless voice and data services to over 770 million people globally, thereby driving national digital agendas and economic development.

Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of ALTON, commended the federal government for signing the executive order that designates communication infrastructure as CNI. He acknowledged the significance of this step for the telecommunications industry, noting the potential positive impact on the sector. However, Adebayo cautioned that the goals outlined in the order could be undermined without a comprehensive protection plan's development and implementation.

He remarked, "Our collective national web is anchored on secure and resilient telecommunications infrastructure. Hence, the need for an efficient Critical National Infrastructure Protection Plan (CNIPP) cannot be overstated." Adebayo also urged the creation of a secure, centralized, and up-to-date database of all physical telecoms infrastructure operated by telecom companies and service providers, which would enhance the ability to monitor and protect these critical assets effectively.

The call for enhanced security measures and collaboration within the telecommunications sector underscores the increasing recognition of the essential role that reliable communication infrastructure plays in Nigeria's overall economic growth and digital transformation. With the potential for significant benefits to both the economy and national security, the successful implementation of these proposals could lead to a more resilient and secure telecommunications environment in Nigeria.