The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has outlined its strategy and importance of safeguarding the nation’s telecom infrastructure.
At a workshop on CNII protection and resilience in Abuja, Thursday, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, NCC, highlighted the transformative impact of an executive order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the sector.
According to him, the presidential directive has provided a structured approach to addressing persistent issues such as vandalism, fibre-optic damage, and restricted facility access, which have long plagued the industry, and had caused significant financial losses and also always interrupting connectivity.
He commended the hosting of the workshop which he noted has highlighted the need to adequately safeguard the nation’s CNII, which he emphasised, “would drive the urgent implementation of the Executive Order on CNII”
The NCC boss commended the collaboration among government agencies, regulators, and industry stakeholders, describing the initiative as a cornerstone for ensuring secure and reliable communication networks across Nigeria.
Government’s latest move has been described as “a major step” towards securing communications and digital infrastructure in West Africa.
Critical National Information Infrastructure refers to “interconnected systems; networks that are indispensable for the functioning of the country’s economy, security, public health, and general safety of the people.
He added that, “as the telecoms regulator, we’re encouraged by this Order and express our gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu; the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu and the Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, for their dedication to protecting our nation’s critical information infrastructure and supporting economic stability.
“Restricted access to telecoms facilities by property owners and government entities hampers network expansion efforts, limiting connectivity and impacting service quality.
“With this Executive Order, we now have a framework to address these issues and concerns collaboratively.
“We will prioritise raising awareness and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders to safeguard our national assets and ensure resilient, secure communications for all Nigerians.
“For the telecoms industry, the Executive Order designating telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure is a dream come true, that provides a long-awaited remedy to challenges of fibre cuts during construction, vandalism, theft of vital equipment and denial of access to telecoms facilities.”
The National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC) under the Office of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), hosted the workshop.
