How NCC Rallied Stakeholders To Save Telecom Customers From Being Cut Off The Air

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) was believed to have played a rallying role in stemming the planned strike action by the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association
of Nigeria (NOGASA) that would have crippled telecommunication connectivity nationwide.
Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the Commission, working hand in hand with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), mediated in the dispute by the Association.
It was gathered that the strike, if it was carried out, would have disrupted the supply of diesel to telecommunications sites nationwide, severely affecting network operators’ ability to
power their diesel-driven generators and maintain uninterrupted connectivity.
In the days leading up to the resolution, the ONSA, under the leadership of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, held strategic engagements with NOGASA’s leadership, with the Commission, providing technical and regulatory guidance to highlight the potential implications of service disruptions on national security, the economy, and everyday life.
The discussions culminated in an agreement to call off the industrial action, averting what could have been a nationwide disruption of telecom services.
Nuhu Ribadu was quoted as saying: “Telecommunications infrastructure is the backbone of our connectivity and
digital economy. Any disruption, whether through vandalism, accidental damage
during construction work, theft of equipment, denial of access to maintenance teams, or interruptions in the supply of essential operational materials, has far- reaching implications for service delivery, economic stability, and national security.”
In a statement, NCC’s Head of Public Affairs, Nnena Ukoha, said that the Commission is committed to the full operationalisation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), which designates telecommunications facilities as critical national assets deserving optimal protection.
It expressed appreciation to the ONSA for its leadership and dedication to protecting national assets and commended the maturity and understanding demonstrated by relevant stakeholders in recognising the national importance of telecommunications services.
The statement quoted the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, as saying: “We will continue to enforce strict compliance by our licensees with technical standards for the deployment and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure, while working closely with relevant stakeholders to strengthen awareness and cooperation on their protection.
“We also recognize mediation as an effective tool for building consensus among stakeholders.

“This resolution underscores the importance of dialogue in preventing avoidable service disruptions. Ultimately, we call on all Nigerians to regard telecom infrastructure as a shared national asset, one that underpins our ability to connect with loved ones, transact businesses, access healthcare, pursue education, and participate in the global digital economy.”
The Commission stressed that it would continue to coordinate with security agencies, industry stakeholders, and the public to ensure that Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure remains protected, resilient, and reliable for all.