Telecom
As NCC Moves to Address Industry Challenges
Insecurity which manifests in wanton theft and vandalization of telecommunications equipment is costing service providers in the country several millions every month.
Findings show that at least three generating sets, a number of air conditioners, batteries and generator parts are stolen every day as armed robbers break into the shelter at base stations at will.
Theft and vandalization of the equipment result in the base stations being cut off from the network meaning that subscribers within the affected base station will be experiencing poor service because the microwave equipment that transmits calls from subscriber’s phone within the base station to the nearest switching centre for completion will cease to work as a result of outage.
It would be recalled that service providers have since resorted to the use of generators to power their operations as a result of unreliable state of public power supply.
Highest hit by the activities of vandals are Global System of Mobile communications (GSM) operators: MTN, Globacom, Zain and Etisalat.
This situation has been giving operators and managed services providers who now manage some base stations for service providers’ serious concerns.
Mr. Wale Goodluck, corporate service executive, MTN, said that the company spends some N100 million a month on security guards and police that provide security on their equipment.
Other service providers including internet service providers are also affected by the activities of the vandals and are believed to spend money on security.
The presence of security guards has not deterred thieves from carrying out their nefarious activities as they have had to kill security guards at base stations in a bid to steal.
Vandalisation is an act before now was synonymous with the oil and gas sector of the country’s economy, where petroleum pipe lines are vandalized with the aim of siphoning petroleum products from the pipes.
The growth of telecommunications in the country as witnessed in the spread of coverage by global system for mobile (GSM) communications saw this ‘bad word’ extending its tentacle to the sector that has been adjudged the fastest in terms of growth in Africa. It started as activities of areas boys who depended for settlement from telecom operators before they could site their base stations in their areas and has today, grown to menacing propotions.
Some two years ago, Nigeria witnessed it worst quality of service issue in GSM service delivery that led to Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) slamming blanket ban on MTN and Zain from running promo and directed that they pay compensation to their subscribers; the operators argued that they were not responsible for the poor quality of service attributing it to vandalization and theft of their equipment.
This argument was not acceptable; maybe NCC and National Assembly saw it as an afterthought as such issue was not raised before the hammer fell on them. But, today, the matter that was relegated to the background has turned out to be a subject for discussion by the industry stakeholders.
Prof. Dora Akunyili, minister of Information and Communications, few weeks ago held stakeholders’ forum where she mandated NCC under the leadership Dr. Bashir Gwandu, acting executive vice chairman of the commission to address problems that are affecting operators in delivering quality service and reducing tariff.
To this end, NCC hosted operators to a forum in Lagos on ways to move the industry forward. At the parley, the issue of vandalization, theft and multiple taxes were identified as major challenges operators face in their effort to deliver quality service as well as reduce tariff.
NCC and telecommunications operators also resolved to address problems associated with delivering of broadband internet services such as citing internet hot spots at airports, spectrum harmonization and national fibre optic initiatives.
NCC also decries high charges by state governments in granting operators right of way to deploy fibre optic infrastructure which is inimical to the growth and development of telecom in the country. The commission however, called for streamlining of ‘right of way’ approval cost.
Dr. Gwandu noted that none availability of transmission infrastructure is partly responsible for high cost of rendering service in the industry especially for small operators, and therefore reiterated the determination of the commission to identify bad spots on existing national fibre optic rings which are vandalized with the view of resolving them.
Impact on operators
According to Mr. Karl Toriola, chief technical officer, MTN, said that vandalizaion of about 500 sites and sabotage of MTN’s transmission infrastructure led to significant downtime last year. These figures may have doubled going by increase activities of these vandals and thieves.
Toriola noted that repeated and multiple cuts to its fibre optic network disrupt service, defeat redundancy and self healing architecture of fibre rings as damage to one microwave tower will often affect several others in line of sight causing widespread transmission outrages. “Increasing community agitation and militancy across the six geographical zones with greatest incidence in Lagos, Niger-Delta, South-East also affected our services,” he said. According to him, about 50 sites were rendered inaccessible per day on account of community issues. He added that increasing robbery and banditry hamper the ability to provide reactive maintenance within preferred best practice response times. Zain on the other hand lost 500 generators last year which has doubled as at last month. Although Globacom and Etisalat have not disclosed the number of its generators and other equipments lost to vandalism and theft, it is believed that it could still be in the same range with its competitors as they are not operating in a different environment. However, these thieves overpower security guards guiding these base stations with sophisticated weapon to carry out their unscrupulous act.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that there are a total of 20,000 base stations as at the end last year. GSM operators are using generating sets because of the unreliable nature of Nigeria’s public power supply.
Options
Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Association of Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (Alton) suggested that the Federal Government should present a bill to the National Assembly, to advance a law that will stipulate stiffer penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment for apprehended vandals of base stations and other infrastructure like optic fibre cables.
According to Adebayo, Alton was actually at the forefront of the plans to sponsor the bill at the National Assembly, even as he expressed optimism that having been a problem that affects all, the bill would not have much problem being passed into law.
He cited the scenario of the 80s when it was a serious offence punishable by a long stretch of prison sentence, to vandalize Nitel property and wondered why the same protection is not extended to today’s telecom operators who are largely private firms.
He said his association has over time, articulated and packaged submissions to the Federal Government by writing to relevant agencies, ministries and related authorities over what they have been going through in the hands of vandals and thieves who steal and damage facilities, and the need to be given some kind of protection to enable them focus on delivering better quality of service to the subscribers.
“We cannot fold our arms and watch things continue the way they are going,” he said.
Adebayo cautioned that with the astronomical growth of telecome subscribers on the networks, government should at least provide those basic things to help the operators in providing quality and seamless services or risk having the networks collapse with inestimable drastic effects on the economy of the country.
Franchising option should be also looked into by operators to address this menace especially in rural areas, just as Zain’s Rural Acquisition Initiative (RAI). Zain’s RAI is targeted at low income consumers in most rural and poorest parts of Nigeria. Franchises selected for the programme are the drivers of the programme as local entrepreneurs and in turn recruit representatives from their locality to sell services and protect local base in their area. They are given necessary technical, marketing, sales and financial support by Zain to help grow their business.
Fola Odufuwa, founder of eShekels limited, a pioneer ICT researcher in sub-Saharan Africa, said franchising has ability to speedily start a new business based on a proven template. It also ensures expansion of operations more rapidly.
According to him, Nigerian entrepreneurs do not really need subsidies but a level playing field, access to capital and fair access to existing networks, adequate profit sharing structure and legal protection for their investments.
In the context of telecoms, it means that the service provider transfers to the small enterprenuer, the whole process including technical expertise, training systems, marketing, management methods and relevant information on provision of telecoms services to rural areas for an agreed fee or proportion of profit on the business.
Industry analysts say franchising can to an extent, assist in cubing theft and vandalization of telecomm equipment. For instance, if operators franchise their base stations, products and distribution outlets in a community to an indigene of such community, chances are that such franchise will provide adequate security for those equipments knowing fully well that he or she has stakes in the business and if anything happens to the equipment, he stands to lose money. Moreso, his people will see such equipment as belonging to a local not the major network operator and then be more willing to protect them.
The telecom franchise programme initiative is designed to involve rural residents in base station management and distribution programme, creating jobs, wealth, and improved products and services availability in the process.
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging innovation, digital skills, and emerging technologies to accelerate Nigeria’s transition into a globally competitive digital economy.
NITDA
This commitment was reaffirmed at the Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026, held at the EUI Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where NITDA participated as a key stakeholder in discussions aimed at advancing technology-driven economic growth and innovation across Nigeria.
Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NITDA, who is represented by the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, delivered the Opening Keynote Address at the two-day event themed “Syntropy: Collective Futures – Systems, Solutions, Synergy and Societies.”
Addressing policymakers, technology leaders, startup founders, investors, academics, development partners, and young innovators, Kashifu emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s prosperity would increasingly be determined by its ability to harness technology, innovation, and human capital rather than reliance on natural resources.
According to him, the global digital economy presents unprecedented opportunities for Africa and Nigeria to create jobs, attract investments, and improve productivity through emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital platforms.
“The future is not something we inherit; it is something we build. Nigeria’s greatest resource is not oil but its people. Our ability to develop digital talent, foster innovation, and create enabling ecosystems will determine our competitiveness in the digital age,” he stated.
He noted that AI and digital technologies are rapidly transforming industries across the world and urged stakeholders to embrace innovation as a catalyst for economic diversification and sustainable development.
He further highlighted NITDA’s ongoing implementation of the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which focuses on digital literacy, emerging technologies, innovation, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth.
The keynote also underscored the need for stronger collaboration among government, industry, academia, development partners, and the startup ecosystem to unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s youthful population.
The Port Harcourt Tech Expo brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to deliberate on issues relating to Artificial Intelligence, startup development, digital skills, innovation financing, technology adoption, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem growth.
Participants explored opportunities for positioning the Niger Delta as a major hub for technology, innovation, and digital entrepreneurship while discussing strategies for addressing challenges related to skills development, startup financing, infrastructure, and technology commercialization.
During the event, NITDA engaged with technology companies, startups, innovation hubs, academic institutions, and development partners on potential areas of collaboration aimed at advancing digital inclusion and innovation-led development.
The Agency also used the platform to amplify the several of its flagship initiatives, including the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programme, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and programmes under the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI).
Observers at the event commended NITDA’s leadership in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and noted the growing impact of the Agency’s interventions in supporting startups, promoting digital literacy, and strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem.
The Expo concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to deepen collaboration, support innovation, and create opportunities for young Nigerians to participate actively in the digital economy.
As Nigeria continues its digital transformation journey, NITDA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering partnerships, developing talent, enabling innovation, and creating a technology-driven economy that delivers sustainable prosperity for all citizens.
Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare sovereignty through local manufacturing of medical diagnostic technologies.
L-R: CEO/Co-Founder, NASENI-Troment Biotechnologies Limited, Dr. Selim Hani; Team Lead, Science of Defeating Malaria initiative, Professor Dyann F. Wirth; EVC/CEO of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu; and Dr. Sami Hani, Board Member, NASENI-Troment Biotecnnologies during the dinner organized for the delegates of the initiative in Abuja at the weekend.
Halilu made the remark while hosting participants of the Harvard University-led Science of Defeating Malaria programme at a closing dinner in Abuja at the weekend, following their visit to the NASENI-TROMENT Biotechnologies Factory, where they commended the facility’s role in advancing disease control and healthcare innovation in Africa.
The delegation, led by Professor Dyann F. Wirth of Harvard University and comprising about 85 global health professionals, scientists and policymakers, toured the state-of-the-art facility and described it as a significant step towards combating malaria and other infectious diseases across the continent.
Speaking at the dinner, Halilu noted that the commendation further validated the vision behind the NASENI-TROMENT Biotechnologies Factory, a strategic project initiated 18 months ago to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported diagnostic kits and strengthen local healthcare manufacturing capacity.
He explained that the facility is designed to produce up to 600 million diagnostic kits annually, enough to meet about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s diagnostic testing needs while creating opportunities for export to other African countries and global markets.
The factory manufactures rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) products under the N-CheckUP brand for diseases and conditions including malaria, hepatitis B and C, HIV, typhoid, syphilis, COVID-19, pregnancy and blood glucose monitoring.
According to Halilu, the project aligns with NASENI’s broader mandate of deploying science, technology and innovation to address national challenges, create jobs and build industrial capacity.
He expressed appreciation to Professor Wirth and members of the Harvard delegation for their recognition of the progress made at the facility and reaffirmed NASENI’s commitment to developing innovative solutions that improve lives and position Nigeria as a leading healthcare manufacturing hub in Africa.
The Science of Defeating Malaria programme, which was held in Abuja from June 7 to 13, brought together global experts committed to advancing strategies for malaria elimination and strengthening public health systems worldwide.
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating digital literacy, innovation development, and economic growth across Southwest Nigeria.
Director General NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, Director General DAWN Commission Dr Seye Oyeleye alongside representatives of both organisations, display signed copies of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) upon its signing at NITDA Headquarters, Abuja.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, described the agreement as a significant step toward leveraging human capital and fostering regional collaboration to drive sustainable national development.
He commended the Southwest region for its longstanding culture of cooperation, noting that collective action remains essential for national progress.
“The Southwest continues to inspire when it comes to collaboration because no one succeeds in isolation. Other regions can learn from this model of cooperation.
“For Nigeria to grow, we must understand our strengths at both the state and regional levels and build on them,” he said.
Inuwa emphasised that Nigeria’s greatest resource is its people, stressing that investments in digital skills, innovation, and technology are critical to creating prosperity and expanding economic opportunities.
According to him, the partnership will facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building, and innovation-driven initiatives capable of empowering citizens to develop local solutions with national and global impact.
Highlighting NITDA’s ongoing efforts to deepen digital transformation nationwide, he said the Agency is scaling digital literacy programmes, supporting innovation hubs, and promoting technology development across the country.
He noted that innovation flourishes where talent, infrastructure, and supportive policies intersect, making it important for every region to identify and strengthen its comparative advantages.
“Lagos has already established itself as a fintech hub and the commercial centre of the country. Abuja is emerging as a GovTech cluster, while other regions can develop specialised ecosystems around manufacturing, commerce, and other sectors.
“Every region possesses unique strengths that can be transformed into thriving innovation clusters,” he stated.
The NITDA boss expressed optimism that the collaboration would accelerate the implementation of the Agency’s strategic initiatives throughout the Southwest.
He added that both organisations had already begun working together prior to the formalisation of the agreement and called for swift action following the signing.
“We are excited about this partnership and look forward to translating our shared vision into tangible outcomes. While engagements have already commenced, I would like to see even greater momentum after the signing of this MoU,” he added.
In his remarks, the Director General of the DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, highlighted the importance of digital literacy in preparing citizens for future opportunities and ensuring meaningful participation in the digital economy.
He noted that the Commission, which coordinates development initiatives across Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States, views the partnership as a strategic vehicle for advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
Oyeleye highlighted Nigeria’s target of equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030 through the Digital Literacy for All Initiative, stressing that the Southwest has a pivotal role to play in achieving the national objective.
“Nigeria has committed to equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030. Southwest Nigeria is not merely a contributor to that vision; it is central to its success,” he said.
He explained that the MoU formalises a shared commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of NITDA’s programmes, particularly the National Digital Literacy Framework, across the region.
He added that the Commission would leverage its extensive network and partnerships across the six Southwest states to bridge federal digital initiatives with local communities, institutions, and young people.
“We will work to ensure that NITDA’s frameworks are not only implemented but strengthened. Our reach across the Southwest positions us to connect federal digital infrastructure and programmes with communities and young people who require the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy,” he stated.
Oyeleye further assured NITDA of the Commission’s commitment to delivering measurable results throughout the five-year duration of the agreement, noting that the true value of development institutions lies in the impact they create rather than the agreements they sign.
The MoU reflects the shared determination of both organisations to advance digital literacy, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and create sustainable economic opportunities for citizens across Southwest Nigeria, further supporting the country’s journey toward a robust and inclusive digital economy.
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