Telecom infrastructure is not MTN’s property — it’s a national asset, says Ikeme

Ikenna Ikeme, general manager of regulatory affairs at MTN Nigeria, says telecommunications infrastructure should be treated as vital national assets — not just the property of telecom providers.

Ikeme spoke in Lagos during an engagement with fellows of the MTN Media Innovation Programme.

He said telecom infrastructure often comes under attack during disputes, with angry individuals vandalising sites or deliberately disrupting services.

“You cannot destroy national infrastructure or shut it down whenever there is a grievance,” he said.

“With the protection of the government, the current administration has declared telecommunications infrastructure as critical national infrastructure, deserving of this level of security.”

He said this classification should help reduce vandalism and service sabotage.

Ikeme noted that Nigeria’s digital economy can only thrive when telecom infrastructure is secure, adding that deliberate destruction could roll back gains in connectivity and access.

He also reaffirmed MTN’s long-term commitment to Nigeria.

“We intend to remain, to grow, and to keep contributing positively to the nation’s development,” he said.

Ikeme closed with a call for stronger media support, urging journalists to drive narratives that protect infrastructure and encourage responsible use of digital platforms.