Telecommunications companies operating in Nigeria have been told to reduce the cost of phone calls and internet data by the federal government.

The government also urged the Mobile Network Operators to submit a list of all their critical infrastructures across the country and their locations in order to ensure they are protected from vandalisation and theft, among other things.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim
Pantami, assured stakeholders in the telecommunications industry that President Buhari has directed that necessary physical protective measures be put in place to safeguard their infrastructure deployed across the country.

The minister noted that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to a huge migration to digital platforms and has increased the level of importance of Critical National Infrastructure to the sustenance of Nigeria’s economy and the security of the nation.

In a Tuesday press release, he said: “The Nigerian telecommunications industry, depends on a number of infrastructure that plays a critical role in the smooth delivery of telecoms services.

“These are part of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) because of the important role they play, in ensuring security and in the delivery of other essential services.”

According to the statement, which was signed by Mrs Uwa Suleiman, spokesperson to the minister, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Defence Headquarters (DHO), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Security Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have all been notified of Buhari’s directive.

“We are also working towards the reinforcement of these directives through appropriate regulatory instruments.”

Mr Pantami said he was truly grateful for the timely approval of the president, adding “we are confident that this will address the challenge of vandalism of our Critical National Infrastructure.

“It will also go a long way in supporting the implementation of the National Broadband Plan (2020-2025).

“The implementation of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) and the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, both unveiled by Mr President, have repositioned the ICT sector,” he noted.

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FG Orders Network Providers To Reduce Cost of Phone Calls, Data