Here’s why: The rampant cases of vandalism on telecom infrastructure. Operators say these acts undermine billions of naira in investments and slow down connectivity.
The fibre is protected: Yes, it is. In June 2024, Nigeria signed the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order (CNII), making the protection of telecom infrastructure a matter of national security. Under this law, wilful damage to telecom infrastructure is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
However, despite the numerous headlines of arrests made, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) still reports that Nigeria records an average of 1,100 fibre cuts weekly.
Telecom operators argue that weak enforcement is emboldening vandals, who hold cables hostage until they are paid a ransom. They urge the government to strengthen both penalties and accountability mechanisms to discourage future vandals.
Why should you care? Fibre vandalism drives up the cost of data. Each repair adds to operators’ expenses, which they pass on to consumers. It also slows down network expansion and causes frequent connectivity issues, resulting in higher costs for unreliable service.
The bottom line: Staying online is vital for Nigeria’s economy, but if vandalism persists, the country’s digital future could be defined by higher costs, weaker coverage, and constant disruptions.
