Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (Alton) has said that the attacks and destruction of telecommunications Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and other infrastructure in Northern Nigeria have limited the ability of millions of Nigerian subscribers to access telecommunications services.
Alton in its first official statement after last week’s wanton attacks said that these unfortunate incidents were against the common good of all citizens of Nigeria.
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of the umbrella body of licensed operators said “millions of Nigerians have suffered severe difficulties with communication, financial and other losses as a result of the attacks”
The attacks which lasted four days beginning from the early hours of September 5 to 8 resulted in severe service disruptions in the areas primarily affected.
The impacts of the attacks have also been felt in other parts of the country particularly in areas of the North.
Adebayo reiterated the association’s call on the Federal Government to declare all ICT and Telecommunications facilities as a critical National security infrastructure, with immediate effect.
The Alton boss said that ‘it is imperative for the Federal Government to provide the necessary protection to such facilities in the national interest. The infrastructure built and owned by the telecommunications industry is the springboard to an ICT revolution in Nigeria and they are essential for Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement”
Alton specifically called on the National Assembly to pass into law relevant Legislation to assure the protection of ICT and telecommunications infrastructure across the country as a matter of urgency.
“This will ensure the appropriate legal framework for infrastructure protection and thereby ensure that growth and development objectives which leverage on the seamless availability of telecommunications infrastructure are more efficiently achieved”
Adebayo also on behalf of the association thanked the Inspector General of Police, the security and intelligence, Nigerian Communications Commission and other stakeholders for the support received since the attacks commenced.
He also thanked host communities whose vigilance and support have prevented further attacks to infrastructure within their communities.