The Kogi State Government has taken proactive measures to resolve recurring disputes with telecommunication companies over the laying of fibre-optic cables and safeguarding of telecom infrastructure across the state.
To address the issues and prevent future conflicts, the State Commissioner for Works, Mohammed Yusuf, who also chairs the government’s Infrastructure Team, convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday.
The session brought together representatives from the Federal Ministry of Works, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), major telecommunication companies, the State Ministry of Information and Communications, and the Kogi State Utility Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency.
The meeting centered on establishing a clear framework for collaboration, compliance, and protection of critical infrastructure.
Participants agreed on operational procedures designed to enhance coordination, reduce overlaps, and ensure that infrastructure projects align with state regulations.
Briefing journalists afterward, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described the meeting as a significant breakthrough.
He emphasized that it effectively addressed the ongoing conflicts between the state government and telecom operators over essential infrastructure.
Fanwo also reaffirmed Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and commended telecommunication companies for supporting the state’s security framework.
Speaking at the event, the Kogi State Commandant of the NSCDC, Olumide Aletan, expressed gratitude to the government for organizing the meeting and assured stakeholders that the Corps remains fully committed to protecting critical national and state assets, including telecommunications infrastructure.
Representatives of the telecommunication companies welcomed the agreements reached and pledged to adhere to the modalities to ensure smooth cooperation and sustainable infrastructure development in the state.