NCC considers Communications Security Trust Fund to combat telecom infrastructure vandalism

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is considering the establishment of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund as part of efforts to curb the rising wave of vandalism, theft and destruction of telecommunications infrastructure across the country.

The proposal emerged at the end of the Commission’s 109th Board Meeting, where members expressed serious concern over the persistent attacks on critical telecommunications facilities and their impact on service delivery nationwide.

According to the Commission, the Board acknowledged the increasing cases of vandalism affecting network infrastructure and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the protection of telecom assets through enhanced collaboration and new funding mechanisms.

Industry data reviewed by the Commission revealed that in 2025 alone, more than 656 critical power assets, including 152 generators and 504 batteries, were stolen from telecommunications sites across Nigeria.

The trend has continued into 2026, with another 64 batteries and 17 generators reported stolen within the first two months of the year.

Lagos, Rivers, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ogun, Delta, Anambra, Enugu and Kaduna were identified among the states most affected by infrastructure vandalism.

The Commission also disclosed that Nigeria recorded 5,934 fibre cuts during the first quarter of 2026, translating to an average of about 65 fibre cable cuts every day, with significant disruptions to telecommunications services across the country.

While commending the ongoing interventions by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following the designation of telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), the Board stressed that stronger collaboration among regulators, operators and security agencies remains essential.

To address the challenge, the Board approved efforts to fast-track initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure security, including conducting a formal feasibility study on establishing a dedicated Communications Industry Security Trust Fund.

If implemented, the proposed fund is expected to provide a coordinated financing mechanism through contributions from telecommunications operators, tower infrastructure companies and other industry stakeholders to support the protection of critical communications assets.

The initiative is also expected to strengthen efforts to combat vandalism, fibre cuts, equipment theft and other forms of sabotage that have cost the telecommunications industry billions of naira in infrastructure losses and service disruptions.

The Board reiterated its commitment to improving Quality of Service (QoS), enhancing network resilience, protecting consumer interests and promoting fair competition as critical pillars for the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

In addition to infrastructure security, the Board reviewed ongoing consultations with industry stakeholders on the development of a regulatory framework for zero-rating educational platforms and digital learning content.

The initiative, currently under consideration by the Commission, seeks to provide Nigerians with free access to approved educational websites and online learning platforms as part of broader efforts to promote digital inclusion, improve access to education and accelerate the country’s digital transformation agenda.