LAGOS – The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) on Sunday called for a law that would make vandalism of telecommunications equipment a capital offence.
The President of NATCOMS, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that such a law had become necessary in view of incessant vandalism of telecoms equipment.
He said that such legislation would protect telecommunications installations and promote effective service delivery.
Ogunbanjo said that vandalism of telecommunications equipment was frustrating efforts of operators in providing quality services.
Ogunbanjo regretted that the vandalism disrupted services and adversely affected economic activities of people who depended on telecoms for livelihood.
According to him, the disruption of telecommunication services by vandals will not only disconnect subscribers but also paralyse businesses and other activities.
“Damage to telecoms facilities will throw many people out of jobs as less recharge cards will be sold, Internet cafes will be out of business, while security and emergencies will be affected,” Ogunbanjo said.
The NATCOMS president said that the Federal Government should not leave protection of telecoms facilities to the operators alone.
“Vandalism of critical infrastructure has ripple effects on the economy, including job losses and reduced tax income,” he said.
Ogunbanjo called on the government to beef up security around telecoms installations nationwide to prevent `agents of economic sabotage’ from destroying them. (NAN)
