MTN Nigeria reportedly suffered more than 6,000 cuts on its fibre cable between 2022 and 2023, resulting in N11 billion (US$6.63 million) loss, telecom infrastructure company (IHS), has said.
IHS manages infrastructure on behalf of some telecom operators in the country.
IHS said MTN had relocated 2,500 kilometres of vulnerable fibre cables at a cost exceeding N11bn — enough to build 870 kilometres of new fibre lines in areas without coverage.
Daily Trust reports that Nigerian ICT sector has been calling on the federal government to designate telecom infrastructure as a critical national asset to address the persistent attacks on infrastructure across the country.
“In 2023 alone, MTN Nigeria reported suffering more than 6,000 cuts on its fibre cable. The operator relocated 2,500 kilometres of vulnerable fibre cables between 2022 and 2023 at a cost exceeding N11bn—enough to build 870 kilometres of new fibre lines in areas without coverage”, a statement on Thursday by telecom infrastructure company, IHS, has said.
The key stakeholders in the sector have also asked the Federal Government to safeguard Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure from cyber threats, theft, and vandalism, which are crucial for the country’s economic growth.
They also urged the government to take over the security of telecommunications infrastructure, which has now been designated as Critical National Infrastructure.
They stated that this action will resolve several issues encountered with sub-nationals regarding cable installations to enhance internet connectivity.
These stakeholders include telecommunications infrastructure companies, like IHS Towers, the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Communications Commission.
The stakeholders spoke during a panel session, titled, ‘Protecting Critical National Infrastructure: Securing Nigeria’s Telecommunications Sector for Sustainable Growth’, at the just concluded 30th Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja.
The statement from IHS quoting the Senior Vice President/Chief Corporate Services Officer, Dapo Otunla, said it became critical to strengthen core infrastructure driving Nigeria’s digital economy by safeguarding the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.
He said protecting telecommunications assets was vital to achieving the digital economy targets of the current administration and called for collaborative solutions for safeguarding these critical assets from vandalism, theft, and cyberattacks.
Otunla said, “By working together, we can develop a robust Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan to secure the future of our telecommunications infrastructure”, adding that IHS was proud to be at the forefront of the drive.
“As we shape strategies for protecting Nigeria’s digital backbone, let us also focus on strengthening the ecosystem that drives national security and digital growth. Together, we can build a more secure, sustainable, and connected future for Nigeria.
“Our mission-critical communications infrastructure supports mobile network operators in providing wireless voice and data services to over 770 million people globally, driving national digital agendas and economic development.”
On his part, ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo hailed the federal government for signing an executive order designating communication infrastructure as CNI, adding that the telecoms industry appreciates the impact this will have on the sector.
