The Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has reaffirmed the Commission’s leadership role in driving the protection of Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) under the Presidential Order of June 2024.
Speaking at the 2nd Strategic Stakeholders Meeting of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Abuja, Dr. Maida emphasised that the protection of CNII is “not a luxury but a national imperative”, warning that disruptions to telecom networks could cripple emergency services, halt financial transactions, disrupt businesses, and threaten national security.
“With over 171 million mobile subscribers, a teledensity of 79.22% and a sector contributing over 14.4% to GDP, telecommunications remains the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy,” Dr. Maida said. “The Presidential Order is a clarion call to secure this vital infrastructure for our collective stability, prosperity, and digital sovereignty.”
Key NCC Actions to Operationalise the Order:
- Nationwide mapping of critical telecom assets.
- Development of a Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan (CNIIPP) in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser.
- Nationwide public awareness campaigns to promote community ownership of infrastructure protection.
- Collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy to protect fibre optic cables during road construction.
- Engagement with state governments to harmonise policies, reduce multiple taxation, and mediate disputes that hinder infrastructure deployment.
- High-level engagements with lawmakers, the judiciary, and state attorneys-general to clarify roles under the CNII framework.
Dr. Maida stressed that while the NCC will continue to prioritise collaboration, it will not hesitate to deploy enforcement measures, in partnership with security and legal institutions, when engagement fails.
He outlined five key pillars for securing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure:
- Public awareness and community ownership.
- Improved inter-stakeholder collaboration.
- Better information sharing between key players.
- Streamlined acquisition and permit processes for infrastructure builds.
- Stronger enforcement and deterrence mechanisms.
The NCC boss urged telecom operators, policymakers, security agencies, and communities to join hands in building a secure, resilient, and inclusive digital future.
“The Presidential Order challenges us to think beyond compliance. Together, we can safeguard the digital lifelines of our nation and make them catalysts for economic empowerment and global competitiveness,” Dr. Maida concluded.
