By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has lamented over activities of thefts and vandals, which according to it, disrupted network services in Anambra State over 366 times in 2024.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, disclosed this at Awka, the Anambra State capital, while presenting a paper entitled ‘Catalyzing Innovation: Transforming Nigeria’s Technology Landscape’ during the ongoing Anambra State Innovation week.
Maida, represented by the Assistant Director in the NCC, Mrs Onuogu, the disruptions which occurred between January and October 2024, included 130 incidents caused by theft and vandalism and 236 involving operators being denied access to tower sites.
According to him, the incidents called for cooperation and collaboration with stakeholders at all levels of government because successful implementation of the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) would speed up development and prevent crisis.
"Telecom infrastructure is the invisible lifeline that connects millions of Nigerians, enabling them to communicate, assess essential services, and even call for help in emergencies. I strongly appeal to every state government and indeed Anambra State, to support this initiative.
"By doing so, we can drastically reduce the risk posed by vandalism and ensure uninterrupted service delivery. Let us stand together in protecting our telecoms infrastructure, not just as a foundation for our digital economy, but as a safeguard for the lives and wellbeing of every Nigerian,” he said.
Maida acknowledged and commended the decision of Anambra State Government to waive right-of-way charges for telecom companies, noting that it will effectively lower the barriers to broadband infrastructure deployment.
He, however, urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to champion the cause of investing in ICT among members of the Nigerian Governors Forum.
“Our work is focused on expanding digital infrastructure, empowering local talents and supporting businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital world. The NCC is implementing the Nigeria Broadband plan which aims to extend broadband and its services to all nooks and crannies of the state, fast affordable network services.”
Earlier speaking, the Convener, Solution Innovation District (SID) and Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation, Miss Chinwe Okoli, averred that the weeklong event which was first of its kind in Africa, would create a room for young professionals and future generation to deepen knowledge and explore more opportunities in the digital tribe.