Protect Telecom Assets Like Other National Infrastructure, MTN’s Ikeme Advises Nigerians
The General Manager of Regulatory Affairs at MTN Nigeria, Ikenna Ikeme, has called on citizens and authorities to regard telecommunications infrastructure as vital national assets rather than merely the property of telecom providers. Ikeme made these remarks while sharing his perspective as a member of the telecommunications industry and his experience in the regulatory field with participants of the MTN Media Innovation Programme in Lagos.
Highlighting the urgency, Ikeme stated that network infrastructure is often targeted during disputes with telecom companies, leading to deliberate acts of vandalism or service disruptions.
“Telecom infrastructure is more than just property owned by service providers. It is a lifeline for millions of Nigerians and an essential enabler for critical sectors of the economy,” Ikeme said.
He noted that deliberate acts of vandalism and disruptions to telecom services often arise from disputes or grievances, yet such actions can have far-reaching consequences. “You cannot destroy national infrastructure or shut it down whenever there is a grievance. These are assets that serve everyone and deserve the same level of protection as other essential national facilities,” he stated.
Ikeme commended the government’s move to classify telecommunications infrastructure as critical national infrastructure, describing it as a welcome step that reinforces the sector’s importance and the need to safeguard it. He expressed optimism that such measures would help create a more secure and stable environment for telecommunications services, ultimately benefiting individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.
Reaffirming MTN’s commitment to Nigeria, Ikeme said the company remains focused on long-term investments that will continue to support national development. “We intend to remain, to grow, and to keep contributing positively to the nation’s progress,” he added.
He also underscored the crucial role of the media in shaping public perception about the telecommunications sector, urging media practitioners to amplify narratives that encourage the protection of infrastructure and highlight the industry’s contributions to everyday life.
“The media is the voice of the people and can help build the understanding needed to support investments and innovation in this space,” he said.