CNII: NCC, NOA partner to protect telecoms infrastructure

*The Nigerian Communications Commission highlights the serious implications of vandalism of information infrastructure, including disruption of network services, negatively affecting organisations, businesses and individual telecoms consumers

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In line with its current consumer education and sensitisation campaign to protect the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in Oyo State, have forged a strategic partnership to address the reported rising threat of vandalism of telecoms infrastructure in the state.

ConsumerConnect reports the Management teams of the NCC and NOA made the decision to collaborate on addressing the thorny issue at a meeting held Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

The session focused on addressing the economic and social impacts of infrastructure vandalism, which continues to disrupt communication networks and impede national development, according to reports.

Dr. Olubunmi Banjoko, who led the NCC delegation, met with Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, NOA Director in Oyo State, where both parties agreed on a grassroots sensitisation campaign to safeguard the CNII across the state.

The Commission also stressed the need to leverage the NOA’s broad reach and public trust to raise awareness on the significance of safeguarding telecoms infrastructure.

Banjoko used the forum to highlight the serious implications of vandalism, including disruption of network services, which affects both businesses and individual users; traffic congestion resulting from malfunctioning communication systems; economic setbacks due to productivity loss; and a breakdown in emergency response mechanisms.

The telecoms sector regulatory Commission, however, noted that to address these challenges, the two Federal Government’s agencies outlined a joint response strategy to address the threat to communication infrastructure.

In regard to the partnership between the two agencies, the NOA will spearhead public enlightenment campaigns and advocacy programmes, focusing on local communities where telecoms infrastructure are said to be most vulnerable.

Besides, new reporting mechanisms will be established, including a dedicated WhatsApp line, an Instagram page, and special shortcodes to encourage the public to report suspicious activities around the installed communications across the South-West state.

The NCC-NOA also is expected to enhance collaboration with security agencies to arrest and prosecute any individuals involved in the destruction of critical national assets.

Dr. Afolayan explained: “We have a broad mandate that covers all government agencies, and we will use our platforms to caution those attacking public infrastructure.”

The Zonal Controller of the NCC further reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the initiative.

He added: “The security and protection of telecommunication infrastructure is a priority for the Nigerian Communications Commission, and we will work with all stakeholders to ensure it is safeguarded.”