The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a renewed, vigorous commitment to safeguarding the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, promising notable improvements in service quality in the coming months. This fresh drive comes amid increasing concerns over frequent fibre optic cable cuts and their detrimental impact on network reliability nationwide.

In Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Aminu Maida, addressed stakeholders, emphasising that the era of leniency towards those damaging critical infrastructure is over. Represented by Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, the Director of Public Affairs, Maida declared that there will be “no more mercy for vandals of critical national infrastructure.” Culprits involved in sabotage, including fibre optic theft, will face full legal prosecution, with the NCC planning to “name and shame” those responsible.

This heightened crackdown follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s August 2024 Executive Order, which officially classified telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). This designation provides a powerful legal framework, elevating infrastructure damage to a matter of national security and enabling more decisive action against offenders.

Maida pointed to the disturbing frequency of disruptions, citing over 147 fibre cuts recorded just between May 21st and 31st — incidents that severely hinder service delivery across various regions. He reiterated that dependable telecommunications are vital not only for economic growth and social welfare but also for national security.

The NCC’s efforts align closely with the national framework on Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), steered by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). “Telecom infrastructure is critical to our national security and economic development. Anyone disrupting it will face the full force of the law,” Maida warned.

Aside from security measures, the NCC remains committed to transparency and stakeholder collaboration, particularly concerning industry tariffs and standards. “It is not the public’s responsibility to monitor operator pricing—that’s our job,” Maida affirmed. “We are committed to sharing accurate data and working with industry players to ensure fair practices.”

Strategic Actions to Secure Infrastructure and Improve Service

To address ongoing challenges, the NCC is deploying a multifaceted approach, including:

• Aggressive Prosecution: Partnering with security agencies like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to apprehend and prosecute vandals under the Critical National Infrastructure Protection Bill.
• Strategic Collaborations: Strengthening ties with state governments, including the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Federal Ministry of Works, to resolve Right of Way (RoW) issues and prevent infrastructure damage during construction activities. A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is soon to be signed.
• Community Engagement: Mobilising local communities through NCC Zonal Offices to foster vigilance and encourage the reporting of suspicious activities around telecom facilities.

Regarding service quality, Maida reassured that recent tariff adjustments for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are strategic moves to help operators weather foreign exchange difficulties and invest in network upgrades. He projected that industry investment in 2025 would surpass levels seen in the past two years, leading to better user experiences.

The NCC is also leveraging new Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations introduced in 2024, which set strict Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and impose substantial penalties for non-compliance. A data-driven approach is underway, gathering detailed localised data to identify areas with poor service and enforce targeted improvements.

“In about two months, Nigerians should start experiencing improved telecom services,” Maida concluded, reaffirming the NCC’s unwavering dedication to building a resilient, efficient, and consumer-focused telecommunications sector.