The Kogi State Government has taken steps to address recurring clash with telecommunication companies over laying of fibre-optic cables and ensure protection of telecommunications infrastructure across the state.

To resolve the issues and forestall future confrontations, the Commissioner for Works, Mohammed Ahovi Yusuf, who also chairs the state’s Infrastructure Team, yesterday, convened a stakeholders’ meeting involving representatives of 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 focused on establishing a clear framework for collaboration, compliance, and protection of critical infrastructure. Participants agreed on operational modalities to improve coordination, eliminate overlaps, and ensure that infrastructure development aligns with state regulations.

Briefing journalists after the parley, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described the engagement as a major breakthrough, noting that it addressed the persistent skirmishes between the state government and telecom operators over infrastructure deployment.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, while commending telecommunications companies for their continued support of the state’s security architecture.

Also speaking, Kogi State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Olumide Aletan, thanked the state government for convening the meeting, assuring stakeholders of the corps’ readiness to safeguard critical national and state assets, including telecommunications infrastructure.

Representatives of the telecommunications companies welcomed the meeting’s outcome and pledged to comply with the agreed modalities to ensure seamless cooperation and sustainable infrastructure development in the state.