IHS Nigeria, the country’s leading communications infrastructure provider, joined senior government officials, security leaders, members of the diplomatic community, development partners, and senior private-sector stakeholders at the official unveiling of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Strategic Plan (2025–2030).
The event which held at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja, marked an important step in strengthening Nigeria’s national security coordination and response architecture.
Delivering a goodwill message at the event, Mr. Dapo Otunla, senior vice president and chief corporate services officer (CCSO) for IHS Nigeria, who represented the company, reaffirmed the company’s continued commitment to partnering with the NCTC to advance Nigeria’s security priorities through secured and resilient telecommunications infrastructure.
“Our towers, fibre networks, and other connectivity infrastructure are more than physical assets, they are digital lifelines that connect and propel the economy. They are also critical for national security,” he said, while emphasizing the company’s long-standing partnership with national security institutions. “With the number of towers and other infrastructure we own and operate across the country, we consider ourselves strategic partners to the Government for the enhancement of national security. We congratulate the Office of the National Security Adviser, the NCTC, and all partners on the successful launch of the Strategic Plan. IHS Nigeria remains committed to providing the infrastructure and collaboration required to safeguard Nigeria’s future,” he added.
Also in attendance was Mr. Ayotade Oyinlola, group chief human resources officer (CHRO) of IHS Towers, whose presence underscored the company’s strong commitment to national development and public–private partnership.
The event commenced with remarks by Major General A.G. Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC, who spoke on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. He highlighted the evolving nature of terrorism in Nigeria and stressed the need for a coordinated, intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-centered approach. He described the Strategic Plan being launched as a renewed national commitment to prevention, countering violent extremism, and strengthening Nigeria’s regional leadership in counterterrorism.
Additional goodwill messages came from representatives of First Bank of Nigeria Limited and the African Union Commission, who joined other partners in commending the Federal Government and the NCTC for providing a clear and coordinated framework to strengthen counterterrorism efforts across the country. They emphasized that collaboration, shared responsibility, and sustained investment remain critical to securing long-term national stability and resilience.
The Strategic Plan was reviewed by Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, who outlined the document’s core priorities. He emphasized that the plan provides a measurable, results-driven roadmap that strengthens intelligence capabilities, enhances interagency coordination, integrates technology-enabled solutions, and promotes community-based and non-kinetic strategies for preventing and countering violent extremism.
He noted that the plan also aims to strengthen Nigeria’s regional leadership role and position the NCTC as a centre of excellence.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in his keynote address described the document as a clear, pragmatic, and forward-looking national commitment to safeguarding communities and strengthening institutional resilience.
He noted that the unveiling marks a renewed collective resolve to advance national security, emphasizing that its successful implementation will require shared responsibility across government, the private sector, and local communities.
Following the unveiling, dignitaries and partners made financial commitments to support the implementation of the Strategic Plan. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Commodore Ahmad Madawaki.
