Dr. Ernest Ndukwe

Emma Okonji
 
Immediate past Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr. Ernest Ndukwe has been tipped to chair the maiden ‘Telecoms Infrastructure Protection RoundTable’ scheduled to hold next month in Lagos.

Ndukwe who is the currently the chairman of Open Media Group will lead high dignitaries to the event aimed at re-awakening consideration and understanding of the critical place of ICT equipment and infrastructure in the country.

Telecoms Infrastructure RoundTable is an initiative of Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the umbrella body of telecom companies in Nigeria and Communication Week Media, Publishers of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek .
A statement jointly signed by the Executive Secretary of ALTON and Editor-in-Chief of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, Gbolahan Awonuga, and Ken Nwogbo, respectively, explained that the one day forum was meant to dialogue and address the growing targeted attacks on telecoms equipment, infrastructure and telecoms workers.

“It is designed to complement the current security situation in the country and it is imperative because of the clear and present danger of pervading general insecurity” the statement stated.

The roundtable is strictly a not-for-profit initiative and is drawing participation from the office of the National Security Adviser, Chairmen of both Senate and House Committees on Communications, Ministers of Communications Technology and Science & Tech respectively. Also, Federal and State Government Agencies under Information and Communications Technology, Local Government Authorities, ICT firms, all security agencies, media as well as the general public will be in attendance.
“In the course of the RoundTable, threats to telecoms equipment, infrastructure and telecoms workers will be identified. Efforts to nationally secure telecommunication infrastructure for the benefit of all stakeholders will be explored and resolution reached,” the statement also added.

According to the organisers, the event would elevate discussions and build excitement around ICT infrastructure protection.

The organisers said that Ndukwe became best situated to stir the event having earned meritorious tenures at the NCC that has placed Nigeria’s telecoms sector on the world map.