The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has listed challenges confronting the nation’s telecommunications sector, assuring however of its readiness to harness the potential of the sector and contribute in boosting the digital economy.
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has listed challenges confronting the nation’s telecommunications sector, assuring however of its readiness to harness the potential of the sector and contribute in boosting the digital economy.
The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who gave this assurance at a telecoms forum in Lagos, listed the factors as including extensive damage from vandalism and theft, fiber cuts by construction companies to mention a few, and even restricted access that prevents operators from servicing critical infrastructure.
Maida said; “Increasingly over the years, telecommunications infrastructure has suffered from disruptions due to extensive damage from vandalism and theft, fiber cuts by construction companies to mention a few, and even restricted access that prevents operators from servicing critical infrastructure. The industry has long called for special protections to be accorded to these assets to ensure continuous connectivity and reliable communication services.”
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He added that Nigeria cannot guarantee a truly digital economy without being able to adequately protect the telecommunication infrastructure that underpins the digital economy.
The NCC CEO however assured that with the power granted under the Cybercrimes Act of 2024 designating telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure, the fears of perennial disruptions have been tackled. The Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), Order was signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in July 2024.
Maida stressed the CNII Order remained a pivotal advancement for the telecoms industry, achieved through the NCC’s proactive advocacy and strategic collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
With the Presidential Order, he said, Nigeria now has a comprehensive policy framework to protect vital telecommunication assets—from base stations and data centers to fiber optic cables.
“The framework strengthens our ability to decisively confront issues such as vandalism, illegal tampering, and preventing access to communications infrastructure, holding violators accountable to deter future offenses.
“Under this Order, individuals, organisations, or even government agencies are prohibited from sealing, removing, or damaging telecommunications infrastructure without a lawful court order. We anticipate that the courts may occasionally receive requests for orders to grant exceptions to the protections afforded to these Critical National Information Infrastructures”, Maida enthused.
He added; “It is likely that in the near future, vandals, thieves, and others who breach this Order’s provisions will be brought before the courts. We trust that with a deeper understanding of the harm and disruption caused by such actions, the judiciary will impose appropriate sanctions to serve as strong deterrents against criminal activity”.