Network Nightmare Looms! Telcos Warn Nigerians To Brace For Worse Service

Telecommunications operators in Nigeria have issued a stark warning that mobile and internet services may worsen if the growing wave of vandalism and theft targeting telecom infrastructure is not urgently addressed.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Operating under the umbrella of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the telcos expressed alarm over the persistent sabotage of cell sites and equipment, which they say is crippling the country’s digital infrastructure and threatening billions of naira in recent investments.

According to Vanguard, some operators have acknowledged recent dips in service quality but argue that worsening security, not poor management, is to blame.

“We invested heavily following the NCC’s slight tariff adjustment, hoping to improve service quality,” said a senior official at a major network provider. “But our facilities are being stolen and sold openly. If this continues, service will only deteriorate.”

These thefts are undermining improvements in data speed, signal strength, and network reliability. ALTON, in a joint statement signed by Chairman Engr. Gbenga Adebayo and Publicity Secretary Damian Udeh, stated that criminal activity is threatening the sector’s sustainability despite recent government efforts.

“Our members have launched massive investments in network optimization and infrastructure upgrades, including fibre expansion and power system improvements,” ALTON said.

However, from May to July 2025, widespread vandalism was reported across multiple states including Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, Delta, Osun, Kogi, and Abuja. Critical items such as fibre optic cables, diesel generators, batteries, solar panels, and rectifiers have been stolen and resold in black markets, leading to service blackouts and massive disruptions for millions of users.

“Stolen equipment is being traded or repurposed for household use,” ALTON noted. “These losses are causing prolonged downtimes, service degradation, and network congestion.”

The association also flagged road construction as a contributing factor, with fibre optic cables frequently damaged during civil works and infrastructure projects, resulting in further outages and financial losses.

Calling the situation “urgent and desperate,” ALTON urged immediate intervention from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the police, DSS, and civil defence authorities to protect telecom infrastructure and prevent a national communications breakdown.

“These assets power everything—from banking to healthcare to national security. Attacks on telecoms are attacks on our economy and stability,” ALTON warned.

The group emphasized the need for a coordinated response involving all levels of government, regulatory bodies, civil society, and the public, declaring:
“Our digital future and national security depend on swift, united action. The time to act is now.”