By Blessing Emmanuel
Industry leaders have called for the standardisation of telecom infrastructure installation to ensure the protection of the infrastructure.
Speaking at the 7th Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo) Summit on Thursday in Lagos, Telecom experts stressed that while the Executive Order on the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) is a step in the right direction, internal issues within the industry must first be addressed.
Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, highlighted the widespread problem of infrastructure vandalism.
He noted that poor installation and maintenance have made key components, such as manhole covers and poles, easy targets for theft.
Adebayo also pointed out how community resistance has hindered telecom projects, citing cases where local residents blocked access to sites due to previous damages caused by contractors. He urged better engagement with communities to resolve such conflicts.
Another major issue is the unauthorised installation of infrastructure. Adebayo explained that telecom equipment installed without government approval is often damaged during road construction because it is not included in official records.
President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Tony Emoekpere, stressed that beyond technical issues, the industry faces moral challenges. He shared an example of workers who, after diesel generators were replaced with gas alternatives, resorted to stealing engine oil instead of siphoning diesel.
Emoekpere argued that standardisation is key to long-term success. “If infrastructure is not deployed correctly, failure is inevitable. We must ensure that all stakeholders—government, private sector, and the public—follow proper standards,” he stated.
He also emphasised the need for better enforcement of policies, noting that while Nigeria has strong telecom regulations, poor implementation remains a problem.
The issue of cable theft was further highlighted by Wale Owoeye, CEO of Cedarview Communications Limited, who described how frequent cable cuts disrupt network operations.
To combat this, Owoeye proposed three key approaches: community education, stronger legal enforcement, and proactive prevention measures. He pledged N500,000 quarterly to fund awareness campaigns and encouraged other industry players to contribute.
The experts agreed that protecting telecom infrastructure requires a joint effort from operators, government agencies, and local communities. They called for better coordination, stronger enforcement of existing policies, and increased public awareness to ensure the long-term security of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
