By Emmanuel Adeleke
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has charged telecommunications subscribers to always ensure effective protection of its infrastructure, in order to complement the efforts being put in place by the commission.
A statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, said the NCC gave the charge at a sensitisation programme held at Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State.
The statement noted that aside from the role of the law enforcement agencies in protecting telecoms infrastructure, the subscribers and ultimate users of telecoms services have an obligation to do everything to protect infrastructure in their environment.
In her address, Zonal Operations Director of NCC, Amina Shehu, decried the problem of vandalism of telecoms infrastructure, which she said often result in poor quality of service delivery to the end users.
She said: “Therefore, it is imperative for the public to regard telecoms facilities as collectively-owned infrastructure that are crucial and essential for the provision of efficient and acceptable services. The more reason these facilities need to be adequately protected.”
She implored the indigenes of Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State to ensure that they protect telecoms facilities in their community.
Shehu, who was represented at the Assistant Director, Zonal Operations, Abubakar Usman, enjoined the consumers to always alert law enforcement agencies close to them once they suspect any act of vandalism, theft or other suspicious activities directed at telecoms infrastructure.
She said the Electromagnetic Frequency (EMF) radiation emanating from telecommunications infrastructure was not harmful, according to studies conducted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), contrary to the information being circulated on (EMT).
Shehu said part of the objectives of the event is to correct the misconception people have on the effect of radio magnetic waves on human health.
“So, the commission is saying to you that there is no scientific evidence yet that shows that radiation from telecoms masts constitute health hazards to human and we want you to help spread this information to those that are not here,” she added.
At the event, participants were enlightened on the illegality of pre-registered Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, the imperatives of proper SIM registration, the importance of National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM linkage exercise.
In his remarks, the paramount ruler of Wannune, Chief Gandeorun Orokaa, thanked the commission for bringing the sensitisation programme to the community as well as correcting wrong notions and clarifying misconceptions.
The event ended with an audience session, where questions and answers were asked, observations and recommendations were also made on many aspects of telecoms services.
In attendance were local government workers, village heads, community leaders, students, women leaders, staff of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
