NCC Reiterates Commitment to Presidential Order on Telecom Infrastructure Protection
Oru Leonard
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to implementing the Presidential Order designating telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). This order aims to protect vital infrastructure that powers Nigeria’s economy, security, public health and governance.
Telecom towers, fibre optic networks and data centers are considered digital lifelines of Nigeria’s economy, and any disruption to these assets could paralyze vital services.
The NCC is working to prevent unauthorized access, vandalism and cyberattacks through a robust plan developed in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
– *Stakeholder Collaboration*: The commission emphasizes the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including telecom operators, government agencies, security forces and communities, to ensure the success of the CNII framework.
The NCC has initiated a nationwide mapping of critical telecom assets to prioritize protection and investment. The Commission will also carry out nationwide initiatives to educate communities and stakeholders on their shared responsibility to protect CNII.
The NCC is working with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy and the Federal Ministry of Works to safeguard fibre-optic cables during road construction and rehabilitation.
The NCC has outlined a five-pillar approach to ensure the resilience of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure which are, Public Awareness and Community Ownership, Improved Inter-Stakeholder Collaboration on CNII Protection, Information Sharing Amongst Stakeholders, Streamlined Acquisition and Permit Processes for New Communications Infrastructure Build and, Strengthened Enforcement and Deterrence Mechanisms.
