Joy Agwunobi
The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has reported 366 instances of network service disruptions in Anambra State between January and October this year.
This update was shared by Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman of the NCC, during a presentation titled “Catalysing Innovation: Transforming Nigeria’s Technology Landscape” at the Anambra Innovation Week held at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Awka.
According to Maida, the disruptions were categorised into two main types 130 incidents resulted from theft and vandalism, while the remaining 236 incidents involved telecom operators being denied access to tower sites.
Maida, represented by Onuogu, an assistant director at the NCC, emphasised the significant risks these disruptions pose. He noted that such incidents could lead to service interruptions, with potentially fatal consequences.
“Imagine an individual unable to call for an ambulance or an entire community cut off during a crisis simply because a critical telecom site was vandalised or maintenance assets were denied access,” Maida stated.
He further underscored the collective responsibility required to safeguard the nation’s telecom infrastructure, especially in light of the recent presidential order signed by President Bola Tinubu. This order designates telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), recognising the vital role that telecom assets including base stations, data centers, and fiber optic networks play in powering Nigeria’s digital economy.
“Protecting telecom infrastructure is not just about technology; it is about saving lives. These networks are the invisible lifelines that connect millions of Nigerians, enabling access to essential services and providing the means to call for help in emergencies,” Maida explained.
He urged state governments, particularly Anambra, to support this national initiative to prevent disruptions caused by vandalism and ensure consistent service delivery. “Let us work together to protect our telecom infrastructure not just as the foundation for our digital economy but as a safeguard for the lives and wellbeing of every Nigerian,” Maida added.
Commending Anambra’s state government for waiving right-of-way charges for telecom companies, Maida highlighted this move as a significant step toward fostering broadband infrastructure deployment.
He suggested that this decision places Anambra on track to becoming a key player in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, with the potential to emerge as a thriving ICT hub.
He also called on Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra state to advocate for further ICT investment within the Nigerian Governors Forum.
Maida concluded by reaffirming the NCC’s commitment to driving technological innovation and transformation in the country. “We are focused on expanding digital infrastructure, empowering local talent, and supporting businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital world,” he said, adding that “through initiatives like the Nigeria Broadband Plan, we aim to provide fast, affordable network services to every corner of the country.”
