Nigerian Telcos Warn Of Worsening Network Services Amid Vandalism Surge.
Telecommunications operators in Nigeria have issued an urgent warning that network services could deteriorate further due to a sharp rise in vandalism and theft of critical infrastructure. The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has called for immediate government and security intervention to protect telecom assets, highlighting their importance to the nation’s economy and security. Despite recent investments, the industry faces significant setbacks that threaten service quality for millions of Nigerians.
ALTON, representing major operators, reported multiple vandalism incidents between May and July 2025 across states including Rivers, Ogun, Osun, Imo, Kogi, Ekiti, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory. These attacks have caused prolonged network outages, severe congestion, and degraded service quality, frustrating efforts to improve connectivity. “We are working tirelessly to enhance services, but these acts of sabotage are undermining our progress,” said ALTON Chairman Engr. Gbenga Adebayo. The group noted that stolen equipment, including batteries, solar panels, and diesel fuel, is being sold on a growing black market, exacerbating the crisis.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has supported operators with a recent 50% tariff increase—the first since 2013—to address rising operational costs driven by inflation, energy prices, and foreign exchange challenges. Operators have invested up to $1 billion in new equipment from Chinese manufacturers, with deployments beginning in June 2025 to improve signal quality and data speeds. However, ALTON warned that without action to curb vandalism, these upgrades could be rendered ineffective, leading to a potential “network nightmare” for consumers.
The telecom sector’s challenges are compounded by damage to underground fibre optic cables from road construction and urban development, causing significant outages and financial losses. ALTON has urged the public to treat telecom infrastructure as critical national assets, noting their role in supporting banking, healthcare, education, and emergency services. “An attack on telecom infrastructure is an attack on our economy and security,” the association stated, emphasising that vandalism is a criminal offence under federal law.
To address the issue, the NCC has launched a dedicated portal for citizens to report vandalism or suspicious activities via email or by dialling 622. ALTON has appealed for coordinated action from security agencies, government, media, and the public to safeguard infrastructure. Social media sentiment on X reflects growing frustration among Nigerians over poor network services, with some users calling for stronger enforcement and others expressing concern about the economic impact of further disruptions.
The telecom industry, a key contributor to Nigeria’s GDP, is undergoing its largest infrastructure expansion in recent years. Operators remain committed to meeting the NCC’s fourth-quarter 2025 deadline for significant service improvements, but they stress that success depends on protecting assets from criminal activities. As the nation pushes for greater digital inclusion, the fight against vandalism will be crucial to ensuring reliable connectivity for all Nigerians.
