NCC Urges Nigerians to Protect Telecom Infrastructure, Warns of Risks to Economy and Security

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on the public to help safeguard the nation’s telecom facilities, stressing that any disruption could cripple services, hurt the economy, and threaten national security.

The warning follows a recent dispute with fuel suppliers that nearly halted diesel deliveries to telecom sites across the country. Many of these sites depend on generators due to the nation’s unstable power supply. A strike would have shut down thousands of towers, leaving millions without phone and internet services.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu described telecom facilities as “the backbone of our connectivity and digital economy,” adding that interruptions “have far-reaching implications for service delivery, economic stability, and national security.”

NCC chief Aminu Maida urged Nigerians to view these facilities as “a shared national asset” vital for business, education, healthcare, and daily life.

He also noted that dialogue among stakeholders is key to avoiding service breakdowns.

Industry figures show Nigeria’s $75 billion telecom sector burns over 40 million litres of diesel each month to keep operations running.

The NCC says operators are now exploring solar and battery storage systems, which could cut costs by up to 50% while reducing pollution.