Protecting Critical National Assets & Infrastructure in Lagos State: FiberOne Joins NSCDC's Community Stakeholders Engagement
In a decisive move to combat the rising wave of infrastructure vandalism threatening Nigeria’s economic backbone, FiberOne Broadband joined forces with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Lagos State Command at a critical stakeholders’ engagement meeting held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Lagos Central Senatorial District.
The event, which brought together government officials, telecommunications operators, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders, underscored a unified commitment to safeguarding Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), including the fiber broadband networks that power Nigeria’s digital economy.
A Collective Response to a Growing Threat
Vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure has reached alarming levels across Lagos State, with fiber optic cables, transformers, masts, and other critical assets falling victim to criminal activities that disrupt essential services and stifle economic growth.
The NSCDC-led community engagement initiative, held in pursuit of the National Protection Policy and Strategy (NPPS), aims to mobilize communities, operators, and government agencies in a coordinated defense of Nigeria’s critical infrastructure.
State Commandant Adedotun Keshinro addressed the gathering with urgency, emphasizing the devastating impact of vandalism on public safety, economic productivity, and national development. “We must all take ownership of the critical assets in our communities,” he stated. “The fight against vandalism is not just the responsibility of security agencies; it requires collective action from every stakeholder.”
FiberOne's Commitment to Infrastructure Security
As Nigeria’s leading fiber-to-the-home broadband provider, FiberOne has been at the forefront of investing in world-class telecommunications infrastructure across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, and other major cities. However, these investments face constant threat from vandals who damage fiber cables, steal equipment, and sabotage installations: disrupting internet services for thousands of customers and businesses.
Representing FiberOne at the event, Kenny Joda, Head of Public Relations & Regulations, made a passionate call for stakeholder collaboration: “Without collaboration with the Corps in the fight against vandalism of our assets and infrastructure, we may all be failing in our role. We must join forces to safeguard the information infrastructure that powers Nigeria’s digital transformation.”
FiberOne’s participation highlights the company’s proactive approach to infrastructure protection, working closely with NSCDC, the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), and other telecommunications operators to create safer environments for network deployment and maintenance.
Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: A United Front
The stakeholders’ meeting saw robust participation from key players across Lagos’s telecommunications and power sectors:
Government and Traditional Leadership:
Honourable Momoh Adewale, representing the Executive Chairman of Mainland Local Government, commended NSCDC’s initiative and called for collective ownership of the fight against vandalism. Traditional rulers present pledged their support, issuing stern warnings to their subjects still engaged in vandalism and vowing to collaborate with security agencies in their domains.
Telecommunications Industry:
The event featured strong representation from major operators. MTN Nigeria’s representative, Mrs. Daisy Oyarikre, called for serious actions against vandals and urged community leaders to grant field operators access to work sites. The NCC’s Zonal Controller, Mr. Tunji Jimoh, charged Nigerians to support government policies protecting CNAI and to report theft and vandalism to NSCDC for investigation and prosecution.
Power Sector:
Mike Igbodipe, CEO of Protection Solutions Limited and Security Consultant to Ikeja Electric, recounted tragic incidents where vandals lost their lives attempting to steal from transformers, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration with NSCDC to reduce vandalism in the power sector.
Community Groups:
Market leaders, transport unions (NURTW), scrap dealers associations, and community development committees all pledged support. Notably, scrap dealers warned their members to report any involvement in criminality to NSCDC, acknowledging that their industry’s reputation has suffered due to illegal activities.
The Real Impact of Vandalism on Fiber Broadband Services
For FiberOne customers across Lagos, infrastructure vandalism translates to real disruptions: interrupted video conferences, failed online transactions, disrupted remote work, and hampered access to digital services that have become essential in modern life.
The challenges are multifaceted:
Fiber Cable Theft and Damage:
Vandals cut fiber optic cables to steal copper components or damage them during unauthorized construction activities, resulting in widespread service outages.
Mast and Equipment Sabotage:
Telecommunications masts are targeted for metal components, while network equipment is stolen from installations, requiring costly replacements and extended downtime.
Restricted Access to Sites:
Field engineers often face difficulties accessing damaged sites due to security concerns or community resistance, which delays repairs and prolongs service disruptions.
Financial and Economic Impact:
The cost of repairing vandalized infrastructure runs into millions of naira monthly, resources that could otherwise be invested in network expansion and service improvements.
According to the Nigeria Communications Commission, telecommunications infrastructure vandalism costs the Nigerian economy billions annually in lost productivity, reduced investment, and damaged infrastructure.
How FiberOne is Addressing Infrastructure Security
FiberOne’s participation in this NSCDC initiative is part of a comprehensive approach to infrastructure protection:
1. Partnership with NSCDC:
Through this formal collaboration, FiberOne benefits from enhanced security monitoring, rapid response to vandalism incidents, and coordinated prosecution of offenders.
2. Community Engagement:
FiberOne is actively educating communities about the importance of telecommunications infrastructure, creating awareness that damaged cables don’t just affect “big companies”they disrupt essential services for everyone.
3. Enhanced Monitoring Systems:
Investment in advanced monitoring technologies helps detect and respond to infrastructure breaches more quickly, minimizing service disruption.
4. Rapid Response Protocols:
Coordinated response systems with NSCDC and local authorities ensure faster resolution of vandalism incidents and restoration of services.
5. Alternative Infrastructure Protection:
Where feasible, FiberOne is exploring protected cable routing, reinforced installations, and community-based security arrangements.
Your Role in Protecting Lagos's Digital Infrastructure
As FiberOne customers and members of Lagos communities, you play a crucial role in protecting the infrastructure that connects us all.
Report Suspicious Activity:
If you witness vandalism, theft, or suspicious activity around telecommunications installations, report immediately to:
NSCDC Lagos: 0816 359 7310
FiberOne Customer Support: 0700-FIBERONE
Nigeria Communications Commission: 122
Support Field Operators:
When you see FiberOne or other telecommunications technicians working in your area, cooperate with them. They’re maintaining the infrastructure that keeps your internet running.
Educate Your Community:
Share awareness about the impact of vandalism on essential services. Help your neighbors understand that protecting infrastructure benefits everyone.
Take Ownership:
As emphasized at the stakeholders’ meeting, view telecommunications infrastructure in your area as community assets deserving protection, just like roads, schools, and health facilities.
The Broader Vision: Economic Growth Through Secure Infrastructure
The protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure extends far beyond preventing vandalism; it’s fundamental to Nigeria’s economic development and digital transformation goals.
Reliable telecommunications infrastructure enables:
Remote work and digital entrepreneurship
Online education and e-learning platforms
Digital financial services and e-commerce
Telemedicine and digital healthcare solutions
Government digital services and smart city initiatives
As outlined in Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, a secure and resilient telecommunications infrastructure is essential to achieving the country’s goal of becoming a leading digital economy in Africa.
FiberOne’s investment in fiber broadband infrastructure across Lagos, delivering truly unlimited, high-speed internet to homes and businesses, represents exactly the kind of critical infrastructure that requires collective protection.
Looking Ahead: Sustained Collaboration for Long-Term Protection
The November 6 stakeholders’ meeting marked an important milestone, but protecting Critical National Assets requires sustained, ongoing collaboration.
NSCDC Lagos has committed to regular community engagements across all senatorial districts, expanding awareness and building stronger partnerships. FiberOne will continue participating actively in these initiatives, working alongside fellow telecommunications operators, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
Upcoming Initiatives:
Regular community sensitization programs across Lagos neighborhoods
Collaborative security patrols in areas with high vandalism rates
Enhanced prosecution of apprehended vandals to serve as a deterrent
Quarterly stakeholder review meetings to assess progress and refine strategies
Expansion of community-based infrastructure monitoring programs
Conclusion: A Call to Collective Action
The fight against infrastructure vandalism in Lagos State is a fight for Nigeria’s digital future. Every damaged cable, every stolen transformer, every sabotaged mast represents economic loss and delayed progress toward the connected, prosperous Nigeria we all envision.
FiberOne is proud to stand alongside NSCDC Lagos State Command, the Nigeria Communications Commission, fellow telecommunications operators, government agencies, traditional institutions, and community leaders in this crucial mission.
Together, through vigilance, collaboration, and shared commitment to protecting our collective assets, we can secure the infrastructure foundation that powers Lagos’s (and Nigeria’s) digital transformation.
The question is not whether we can protect our critical infrastructure. The question is: Will we?
The answer must be a resounding yes: from every stakeholder, every community member, every Nigerian who believes in a more connected and prosperous future.
Take Action Today
For FiberOne Customers:
Report vandalism or suspicious activity: Call 0700-FIBERONE
Follow FiberOne on social media for service updates and security alerts: Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), TikTok.
For Communities:
Contact the NSCDC Lagos State Command for community sensitization programs
Organize neighborhood watch programs to monitor critical infrastructure
Educate young people about the consequences of vandalism
For Partners and Stakeholders:
Explore collaboration opportunities with FiberOne on infrastructure security
Contact: info@fiberone.ng
Together, we protect. Together, we connect. Together, we build a digitally inclusive Nigeria.
