Ikenna Ikeme, the General Manager of Regulatory Affairs at MTN Nigeria, has emphasised the need for citizens and officials to regard telecommunications infrastructure as essential national assets, rather than merely as the property of telecom companies.
While participating in the MTN Media Innovation Programme in Lagos, Ikeme emphasised the critical nature of network infrastructure, which is often targeted during conflicts with telecom providers. He warned that such disruptions can lead to significant vandalism and service interruptions.
Ikeme remarked, “National infrastructure should not be destroyed or disrupted simply because of grievances.” He pointed out that the government has already recognised telecommunications infrastructure as critical to the nation’s operations, thus deserving protection akin to other national facilities.
He hoped this recognition would minimise destructive incidents and create a more stable environment for the telecommunications sector.
Looking to the future, Ikeme reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to long-term investments in Nigeria, stating, “We intend to remain, grow, and contribute positively to the nation’s development.”
In his concluding remarks, Ikeme highlighted the changing dynamics within Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape and emphasised the crucial role of the media in fostering positive narratives about the industry.
