Telecom Operators Lose Billions as Infrastructure Theft Hits Nigeria’s Digital Backbone
Nigeria’s mobile network operators are facing growing financial pressure as theft of critical telecom infrastructure continues to rise across the country, with more than 650 power-related assets reportedly stolen in 2025.
According to regulatory data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the stolen items include generators, batteries, and other power equipment used to run base stations — essential in a country where unstable electricity supply makes independent power systems vital for network operations.
Industry stakeholders say the situation is no longer just about service disruption but is becoming a serious threat to the survival of the telecom sector.
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) said operators are increasingly forced to focus on protecting existing infrastructure rather than expanding services.
Operators have responded by tightening security at telecom sites, engaging local security groups, reinforcing base station enclosures, and deploying remote monitoring systems to detect tampering in real time. However, even newer solutions such as solar and hybrid power systems are now being targeted.
ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere, noted that the industry is now largely operating in defensive model
“Operators are responding, but largely in a defensive mode. What you’re seeing now is a combination of increased physical security, technology deployment, and changes to how sites are designed and powered,” he said.
Despite these efforts, theft continues to disrupt services nationwide. Each stolen generator or battery often leads to the shutdown of base stations, resulting in dropped calls, poor network quality, and slow or unavailable data services.
“In practical terms, when sites go down, you immediately see increased call drops and degraded service quality,” Emoekpere explained.
While urban networks can sometimes reroute traffic, rural areas are often left completely disconnected when infrastructure is damaged or stolen.
The association warned that the financial burden is already running into billions of naira annually, with operators absorbing most of the losses for now. However, it said the long-term impact is unavoidable.
“These losses run into billions of naira annually. While operators are absorbing a lot of it for now, it inevitably feeds into the overall cost structure of the industry,” Emoekpere said.
ATCON also stressed that consumers are indirectly affected, facing poorer service quality today and potentially higher costs in the future as operators struggle to recover losses.
Although telecom infrastructure has been designated as Critical National Infrastructure, stakeholders say enforcement remains weak. They are calling for stronger action against theft, including treating it as economic sabotage, improving prosecutions, and cracking down on black markets for stolen telecom equipment.
Without stronger protection and enforcement, the association warned that continued theft could further weaken Nigeria’s already fragile digital infrastructure at a time when demand for connectivity is rapidly increasing.
