The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced enforcement of President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order criminalizing damage or tampering with critical national infrastructure, including telecom facilities. This action addresses escalating vandalism, theft, and obstruction incidents that degrade network service quality across Nigeria.
Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, NCC Head of Public Affairs, spoke during a visit by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory Council to NCC headquarters in Abuja, representing NCC Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida. She highlighted growing concerns over destruction of telecom assets like fibre cables and other components.
The Executive Order, signed by President Tinubu on June 24, 2024, formally classifies telecom infrastructure as “critical national infrastructure,” making interference or destruction a criminal offense. The NCC is tasked with sector-wide implementation.
To raise awareness, the NCC launched a public campaign emphasizing the protection of telecom, energy, and transport infrastructure. Major challenges affecting telecom operations include:
- Vandalism and theft: Frequent cable cuts, stolen generators and fuel, and removal of critical parts severely disrupt services.
- Site access denial: Operators face obstructions and demands for fees from communities, touts, and agencies, delaying maintenance.
- Road construction damage: Fibre cables often get damaged during infrastructure projects.
Addressing data depletion concerns, Mrs. Ukoha clarified that mobile networks do not “steal” users’ data. Instead, data use stems from phone/app behaviors like automatic updates, background refreshes, and hotspot sharing. She advised users to monitor data usage and adjust settings accordingly.
Mrs. Ukoha praised journalists for educating the public and urged continued collaboration between NCC and NUJ to share accurate information. NCC efforts also include expanding affordable internet access and training journalists in Lagos and Abuja.
The NCC is working with stakeholders to reduce accidental fibre damage during construction, stressing improved coordination amid rising nationwide projects.
Mallam Yakubu Musa, NCC Head of Corporate Communications, affirmed strong NCC-media partnerships promoting consumer education and transparency.
NUJ FCT Chairman Grace Ike expressed commitment to strategic NCC collaboration for training, public awareness, affordable internet for journalists, and transparency promotion. She requested NCC support for upcoming NUJ FCT events and capacity-building.
The NUJ delegation included key officers demonstrating the union’s dedication to partnership.
This enforcement initiative follows President Tinubu’s July 2024 Executive Order designating all telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), strengthening legal protections to ensure uninterrupted service nationwide.
