The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in reiterating its commitment to the full operationalisation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order on protecting Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), which designated telecommunications facilities as such assets, has secured the buy-in of stakeholders for their optimal protection.
This comes on the heels of a successful mediation led by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the Commission, resulting in the suspension of a planned strike by the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA).
The strike, if carried out, would have disrupted the supply of diesel to telecommunications sites nationwide, severely affecting network operators’ ability to power their diesel-driven generators and maintain uninterrupted connectivity.
Prior to the resolution, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, held strategic engagements with NOGASA’s leadership, where NCC provided technical and regulatory guidance to highlight the potential implications of service disruptions on national security, the economy, and everyday life.
The discussions, according to a statement by Nnenna Ukoha, head, Public Affairs at NCC, the meeting culminated in an agreement to call off the industrial action, averting what could have been a nationwide disruption of telecom services.
“Telecommunications infrastructure is the backbone of our connectivity and digital economy. Any disruption, whether through vandalism, accidental damage during construction work, theft of equipment, denial of access to maintenance teams, or interruptions in the supply of essential operational materials, has far-reaching implications for service delivery, economic stability, and national security,” the NSA said, according to the statement.
The Commission expressed appreciation to the ONSA for its leadership and dedication to protecting national assets and commended the maturity and understanding demonstrated by relevant stakeholders in recognising the national importance of telecommunications services.
Commenting on the development, the Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, promised “to continue to enforce strict compliance by our licensees with technical standards for the deployment and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure, while working closely with relevant stakeholders to strengthen awareness and cooperation on their protection.
“We also recognise mediation as an effective tool for building consensus among stakeholders.
“This resolution underscores the importance of dialogue in preventing avoidable service disruptions. Ultimately, we call on all Nigerians to regard telecom infrastructure as a shared national asset, one that underpins our ability to connect with loved ones, transact businesses, access healthcare, pursue education, and participate in the global digital economy.”
NCC reaffirmed that it would continue to coordinate with security agencies, industry stakeholders, and the public to ensure that Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure remain protected, resilient, and reliable.
