By Comfort Olayinka
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting telecom infrastructure nationwide, following the signing of an Executive Order by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that designates all telecom assets as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).
The order, signed on June 24, 2024, criminalizes the tampering, theft, or destruction of telecom installations, empowering the NCC to implement strict enforcement measures against offenders.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council, to the NCC headquarters in Abuja, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs, said the Commission is intensifying efforts to operationalize the Executive Order. She represented the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida.
Mrs. Ukoha highlighted key threats facing the sector, including widespread vandalism, theft of fibre cables and generators, denial of site access by local communities and agencies, and accidental damage during road construction. These issues, she said, are significantly degrading network quality across the country.
To tackle the problem, the NCC has launched an extensive public awareness campaign on the importance of telecom infrastructure and its protection. “Telecom services affect every sector—from banking to education, health, and security—so safeguarding these assets is a national priority,” she said.
Addressing concerns over mobile data usage, Mrs. Ukoha dismissed allegations that telecom providers “steal” data. Instead, she advised users to take control of their data consumption by managing automatic updates, restricting background apps, and monitoring hotspot usage.
The NCC, she noted, is also investing in digital inclusion projects, especially in underserved areas, while continuing media training programs to support journalists’ understanding of the industry. The Commission has partnered with stakeholders to reduce fibre cuts during construction projects by improving coordination nationwide.
In her remarks, NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, called for deeper collaboration between the media and the NCC on public education, training, affordable internet access for journalists, and support for NUJ Press Week activities. She praised the NCC’s leadership in regulating the telecom industry and urged more investment in digital tools for news professionals.
Head of Corporate Communications at the NCC, Mallam Yakubu Musa, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to engaging with the media as a strategic partner in promoting transparency, consumer protection, and network resilience.
The meeting marks a renewed partnership between the NCC and the NUJ, with a shared goal of ensuring reliable telecom services and informed public discourse across Nigeria.
