By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting to address recurring disputes with telecommunication companies over the laying of fibre-optic cables and the protection of critical telecom infrastructure across the state.
The meeting, held on Wednesday in Lokoja, was convened by the State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Mohammed Ahovi Yusuf, on behalf of the state government, as part of efforts to prevent future confrontations and strengthen collaboration with industry operators.
Participants at the meeting included representatives of the Federal Ministry of Works, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), major telecommunication firms operating in Kogi State, the State Ministry of Information and Communications, and the Kogi State Utility Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency.
The engagement was aimed at establishing a clear, sustainable framework for cooperation, regulatory compliance and the protection of telecommunications infrastructure, which stakeholders acknowledged as a critical driver of economic growth and security.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders agreed on operational modalities designed to improve coordination, eliminate overlaps and ensure that the deployment of telecom infrastructure aligns with existing state regulations and development plans.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Femi Fanwo, described the engagement as a major breakthrough.
According to him, the meeting effectively resolved persistent skirmishes between the state government and telecom operators over infrastructure deployment and protection.
Fanwo reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to creating a business-friendly environment that attracts investment while ensuring regulatory compliance and the protection of public assets.
He also commended telecommunication companies for their continued support to the state’s security architecture, stressing that seamless communication infrastructure is vital to effective security operations and efficient service delivery.
In his remarks, the Kogi State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Olumide Aletan, expressed appreciation to the state government for convening what he described as a timely and strategic meeting.
Aletan assured stakeholders of the Corps’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding critical national and state assets, including telecommunications infrastructure, and pledged continued collaboration to ensure effective implementation of the agreed framework.
Representatives of the telecommunication companies welcomed the outcome of the meeting and pledged to adhere strictly to the agreed modalities, expressing optimism that the new framework would promote seamless cooperation and sustainable infrastructure development across Kogi State..
