Federal government has asked governors to take immediate action to stop the vandalism of telecommunications facilities by agencies of state governments.
Dr Isa Pantami, minister of Communications and Digital Economy, who spoke against the backdrop of complaints made by the telcos, described telecommunications facilities as ‘Critical National Infrastructure’.
The telcos have been asking the Federal Government to classify their facilities as Critical National Infrastructure to ensure their protection.
In a statement signed by Uwa Suleiman, his spokesperson, Pantami said his attention had been drawn to the “very serious, unpatriotic and corrupt activities of some criminal elements within the public service who have continued to engage in acts capable of undermining the national security”.
The minister said he had received several complaints from Mobile Network Operators about unfortunate incidences of forced closures or outright destruction of telecommunications infrastructure in several parts of the country.
“Base Transceiver Stations and other telecommunications facilities are reportedly being vandalised and MNOs are hindered from delivering the requisite services to the consumer by state owned agencies in some parts of the country.
“In a correspondence with the minister, the Office of the National Security Adviser confirmed and emphasised that telecommunications infrastructure are a Critical National Infrastructure and are central to national security.”
Pantami observed that the action of the state agencies were illegal, and also constituted a threat to national economic development as most businesses depended on services provided by telecoms operators.
He added that, in line with the provisions of the Cybercrime Act of 2015, telecommunications infrastructure had been designated as CNI and as a result, any act of vandalism or deliberate obstruction was unlawful and punishable by law.
Pantami further disclosed that he had earlier written to state governors, urging them to ensure that all agencies and residents within their domains desist from vandalism of telecoms facilities.
