IHS Nigeria hosts Telecom Stakeholders to discuss protection of infrastructure
IHS Nigeria, a subsidiary of IHS Holding Limited—one of the world’s largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared telecommunications infrastructure—recently hosted a high-level meeting with key stakeholders in the telecoms sector, including regulators and law enforcement agencies, at its corporate headquarters in Lagos.
The gathering was convened to devise a coordinated action plan for safeguarding Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) assets across Lagos State.
Acknowledging the vital role of telecommunications infrastructure in national security, economic advancement, and social connectivity, industry leaders at the meeting—held under the auspices of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON)—agreed on the urgent need for a unified approach to ensure the protection of these critical assets.
The meeting brought together senior representatives from major telecommunications bodies, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), and the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA).
Also present were representatives from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), infrastructure companies (InfraCos), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the national security agency responsible for protecting critical infrastructure across the country.
Following extensive discussions, the stakeholders agreed to establish a dedicated working group tasked with tackling pressing industry challenges.
These include the vandalism and theft of telecommunications infrastructure, the arbitrary shutdown of base stations, disruptions caused by fibre cuts during road construction, and unauthorised access to facilities.
The proposed solutions involve deploying technology for real-time monitoring, enhancing security at telecom sites, and strengthening collaboration with security and regulatory agencies to mitigate these issues.
The participants stressed the need for proactive measures to deter and prevent these incidents, underscoring the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate host communities on the necessity of safeguarding telecommunications infrastructure in their localities.
Speaking at the event, Dapo Otunla, Senior Vice President & Chief Corporate Services Officer of IHS Nigeria, remarked: “The protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) remains a major concern for all industry stakeholders. We are witnessing daily asset losses, which directly affect the quality of service provided to subscribers. Addressing these challenges is crucial to sustaining Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and meeting regulatory expectations.”