The Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure.
He described it as a national asset central to the country’s economy, security, and daily life.
Dr. Maida gave the assurance on Friday while delivering a keynote address at the second edition of the Strategic Stakeholders Meeting of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, in Abuja.
The event, themed “Building Resilience in Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure: The Executive Order and Beyond”, brought together telecom operators, industry leaders, government officials, and security stakeholders to address pressing challenges facing the sector.
Telecom Infrastructure now classified as critical
Highlighting the increasing reliance on digital systems in governance, finance, healthcare, education, and agriculture, Dr. Maida stressed that telecommunications networks have become vital to national stability.
He said the Presidential Order of June 2024 formally designated telecom facilities — including fibre optic networks, mobile towers, and data centres — as Critical National Information Infrastructure.
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This classification, he noted, underscores their importance in powering Nigeria’s economy and ensuring continuity in essential services.
With 171 million mobile subscribers and a teledensity of 79.22% as of June 2025, the sector contributes over 14.4% to the nation’s GDP, yet faces mounting threats from cyberattacks, vandalism, theft, and frequent fibre cuts — averaging between 30 and 43 daily.
NCC’s Multi-Layered Protection Plan
To operationalise the Presidential Order, Dr. Maida outlined key measures being implemented by the Commission:
Comprehensive mapping of telecom assets nationwide to prioritise protection and guide investment.
A Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan developed with the Office of the National Security Adviser to prevent unauthorised access, vandalism, and cyber breaches.
Nationwide awareness campaigns to educate communities on the shared responsibility of protecting telecom infrastructure.
Collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works to safeguard fibre cables during road construction, with plans for a formal Memorandum of Understanding.
Engagement with state governments to harmonise policies, reduce right-of-way disputes, and address localised challenges through mediation.
The Commission, he said, has successfully resolved stalled projects in Osun and Kogi States using regulatory mediation instead of litigation.
Stakeholder collaboration and enforcement
While emphasising the NCC’s leadership role in CNII protection, Dr. Maida said success depends on cooperation from all stakeholders — including the judiciary, law enforcement, state governments, and private operators.
He noted that enforcement would be used only as a last resort when all avenues of engagement and mediation have been exhausted, adding that punitive measures would be pursued against those damaging critical infrastructure.
Five-pillar roadmap
He listed NCC’s strategy pillars as Public awareness and community ownership of telecom infrastructure; Enhanced collaboration between industry players and security agencies; Improved information sharing among stakeholders; Streamlined processes for infrastructure permits and deployment and Stronger deterrence against acts of sabotage.
Dr. Maida urged ATCON members and all industry stakeholders to actively contribute to shaping the CNII framework, noting that protecting the country’s digital backbone is essential for economic growth and global competitiveness.
“The security and resilience of our national infrastructure is not negotiable,” he said. “Let us invest, collaborate, and protect. Let us build a digital future that is resilient, inclusive, and unstoppable.”
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