NCC raises alarm as telecom vandalism spikes, with over 1,100 fibre cuts reported weekly.
Officials warn sabotage threatens Nigeria’s digital economy, emergency services, and critical infrastructure nationwide.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has sounded the alarm over an alarming surge in vandalism targeting telecom infrastructure nationwide, with leading operators MTN, Airtel, 9mobile, and others reporting more than 1,100 fibre optic cable cuts each week.
The disturbing revelation was made by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, during the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) and Sustainability Conference held in Lagos on August 7, 2025. Maida, represented by the Commission’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Mr. Edoyemi Ogoh, described the situation as a “national emergency.”
In addition to the fibre cuts, operators suffer 545 weekly cases of access denial to infrastructure sites and 99 theft incidents, highlighting a widespread problem that is threatening Nigeria’s digital economy, national security, and critical service delivery.
“These are not just numbers,” Maida warned. “Every fibre cut, theft, or sabotage contributes to dropped calls, failed bank transactions, broken emergency services, and wider economic disruptions.”
Threat to National Digital Transformation
The conference, organized by the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) and the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), focused on finding sustainable solutions to the rising cases of infrastructure sabotage.
Maida emphasized that Nigeria’s digital transformation and economic resilience rely heavily on uninterrupted connectivity. With increasing reliance on mobile networks for banking, healthcare, education, and government services, the degradation of telecom infrastructure presents a grave national threat.
In a significant policy development, Maida noted that President Bola Tinubu has officially designated telecom infrastructure, including fibre networks, towers, and data centers, as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) under Section 3 of the Cybersecurity Act. This designation places a national security mandate on all stakeholders to protect telecom assets.
The NCC is implementing a multi-pronged approach that includes technical enforcement, public education, and collaboration with security agencies. Compliance checks on fibre laying and tower standards are being reinforced, while a nationwide campaign is underway via radio, social media, and traditional outlets to educate the public.
“We want Nigerians to understand that damage to telecom infrastructure doesn’t just affect telecom giants it affects everyday people using ATMs, relying on hospital alerts, or calling emergency services,” said Maida.
ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo echoed the Commission’s concerns, calling on telecom operators to step up their own efforts in securing infrastructure. He criticized the industry for lapses in basic protective measures such as perimeter fencing, locks, and surveillance.
Adebayo also highlighted the black market for stolen telecom parts, including batteries, cables, and generators, driven in part by insider collusion.
“Some of the thefts are carried out by insiders. And the ease with which these stolen parts are resold in local markets fuels more sabotage,” he warned.
He called for tougher laws and enforcement against those caught vandalizing or trafficking telecom infrastructure, saying they should face full criminal prosecution.
To address long-term sustainability, NITRA Chairman Chike Onwuegbuchi proposed the creation of a Telecom Infrastructure Protection Trust Fund, akin to existing security trust funds in some Nigerian states. He argued that community education must also play a central role.
“Communities need to realize that vandalism denies them essential services. It’s not just a telecom problem; it’s a human problem,” Onwuegbuchi said.
