Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Lateef Fagbemi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has condemned the vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure, assuring that the Federal Government will intensify action against offenders.
Fagbemi described the act as economic sabotage detrimental to national development, during the inaugural Annual Workshop for Attorney-Generals on Emerging Issues in the Communications Sector, held Wednesday in Lagos.
The workshop, organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), carried the theme “Building and Driving Synergy in Regulating Communications for the Digital Transformation of Nigeria.”
He noted that the destruction of communications infrastructure, especially in conflict-prone regions, had grown into a critical national issue requiring coordinated legal action.
“We must ensure that those who wilfully destroy or vandalise infrastructure are held accountable. As the saying goes, offenders must be brought to book or the book brought to them,” he said.
Fagbemi highlighted the communications sector as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic and fast-growing industries, citing NCC data showing over 220 million active voice subscriptions and broadband penetration exceeding 32 per cent as of Q1 2025.
He added that such connectivity supports essential services such as digital education, financial inclusion, and e-governance.
However, the minister raised concerns about persistent sabotage of infrastructure, overlapping regulations, inconsistent policies, and the heavy burden of multiple taxation at federal, state, and local levels, all of which threaten the sector’s progress.
“These challenges are not just technical; they are legal. We must create and enforce a clear, harmonised framework that enables innovation while protecting the interests of consumers and investors alike,” he said.
He referenced the 2023 vandalism of telecom stations in Kano as an example of how such actions can reverse digital progress and destabilise communities.
To counter the trend, Fagbemi called for stronger collaboration among the executive, legislature, and judiciary to ensure enforcement of infrastructure protection laws.
He encouraged state governments to adopt forward-thinking policies, citing Anambra State’s 2023 unified right-of-way policy, which led to a 13 per cent boost in fibre optic rollout within six months.
The minister proposed establishing a federal–state regulatory coordination forum and joint enforcement mechanisms to ensure infrastructure laws are applied effectively nationwide.
He also urged attorney-generals to guide their respective states on constitutionally grounded digital policies and to support alternative dispute resolution approaches in telecom matters.
“Good governance is not just about laws on paper. It is about implementation, and implementation depends on the integrity, resolve, and collaboration of all of us seated here today,” he said.
Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Aminu Maida, also stressed the importance of a united front in addressing issues facing the communications sector.
He said the sector remains a key driver of innovation, commerce, governance, and inclusion, adding that its full potential depends on resolving legal, regulatory, fiscal, and operational barriers.
Maida listed pressing concerns, including the need to review the Nigerian Communications Act (2003), simplify taxation, reduce regulatory overlaps, and protect Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).
He emphasised a Whole-of-Government approach, stating that effective digital transformation in Nigeria requires active cooperation among all tiers and branches of government.
According to him, attorney-generals play a pivotal role in creating a legal environment where technology and governance can thrive.
Maida expressed confidence that the workshop would foster meaningful partnerships and improve outcomes for citizens.
(NAN)