The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) have appealed for stronger public support in protecting the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure, warning that any disruption could significantly undermine Nigeria’s economy, digital connectivity, and national security.
This call comes after a joint intervention by the NCC and ONSA helped avert an impending strike by the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA). The planned industrial action, linked to fuel supply issues, would have disrupted diesel deliveries to thousands of telecom base stations across the country.
Given Nigeria’s unreliable power grid, most telecom sites depend heavily on diesel-powered generators to maintain uninterrupted voice and data services. Without fuel supplies, millions of Nigerians risked losing access to essential mobile and internet services.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu stressed that telecom infrastructure is a strategic national asset.
“Telecommunications infrastructure is the backbone of our connectivity and digital economy. Any disruption has far-reaching implications for service delivery, economic stability, and national security,” Ribadu said.
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, valued at over $75 billion, is one of the largest in Africa and serves as the foundation for business operations, healthcare, education, and emergency services. According to industry data, operators consume more than 40 million litres of diesel monthly to keep network towers running, making the sector highly vulnerable to fuel supply disruptions.
The NCC’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Maida, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to enforcing technical standards, partnering with security agencies, and engaging stakeholders to ensure the safety and resilience of telecom infrastructure.
“We call on all Nigerians to regard telecom infrastructure as a shared national asset—one that underpins our ability to connect with loved ones, transact businesses, access healthcare, pursue education, and participate in the global digital economy,” Maida said.
Dr. Maida noted that the NCC values mediation and dialogue in resolving disputes, describing the recent intervention as proof that collaborative engagement can prevent avoidable service interruptions.
Industry analysts say that the episode underscores the need for a long-term strategy to reduce the sector’s overreliance on diesel. Both the NCC and the GSM Association (GSMA) have identified hybrid energy solutions—such as solar power and battery storage—as cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives. Transitioning to these systems could slash operating costs by up to 50% while reducing carbon emissions.
The NCC also urged Nigerians to actively protect telecom installations within their communities. Acts of vandalism, theft of cables and batteries, and destruction of base stations remain pressing challenges. Such incidents not only disrupt services but also impose huge repair and replacement costs on operators, ultimately affecting service quality and pricing.
Security experts highlight that telecom networks are critical in times of crisis, enabling real-time coordination between emergency responders, security agencies, and the public. Disruptions could hamper efforts to combat insecurity, respond to disasters, or provide urgent healthcare support.
Stakeholders are now calling for a multi-pronged approach that combines government policy support, private sector investment, and citizen participation to build a more resilient telecom infrastructure. This includes deploying advanced monitoring systems, increasing security patrols at vulnerable sites, and fast-tracking investment in renewable energy solutions for network operators.
With Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy projected to contribute over 18% to GDP by 2027, experts warn that safeguarding telecom infrastructure is not just a matter of convenience—it is a necessity for economic stability, innovation, and national development.