Industry leaders in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector have emphasized that the effective implementation of the Executive Order on the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) is crucial, but not sufficient, to guarantee infrastructure safety.
Speaking at the 7th Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo) Summit in Lagos, experts highlighted pressing issues such as infrastructure vandalism, unauthorized installations, and cable theft.
Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), stressed the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and installation to prevent vandalism and theft.
He noted that poor maintenance practices have led to the widespread theft of manhole covers and poles.
Adebayo also emphasized the need for better relationships between stakeholders and local communities to prevent conflicts and ensure the protection of critical infrastructure.
Additionally, he called for improved industry coordination to resolve internal challenges before seeking external solutions.
Tony Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for standardization and better coordination among stakeholders.
He argued that standardization is key to long-term sustainability and that Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges go beyond technical issues, extending into environmental and moral concerns.
Wale Owoeye, CEO of Cedarview Communications Limited, stressed the importance of addressing cable theft and vandalism, proposing three key approaches: reorientation, enforcement, and proactive measures.
He also emphasized the need for preventive strategies and proposed the creation of a dedicated fund to support advocacy and awareness campaigns.
The experts collectively emphasized that addressing these challenges requires collaboration among industry players, government agencies, and local communities.
They called for a concerted effort to enforce policies, engage stakeholders, and implement practical solutions to ensure the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s telecommunication infrastructure.
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