NCC Restates Commitment to Safeguard Telecoms Infrastructure, Boost Digital Economy Growth

Emma Okonji

Backed by its mandate to promote efficient, affordable and easily accessible communications services across the country as enshrined in the National Communications Act 2003, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has restated its commitment in safeguarding telecoms infrastructure and to boost Nigeria’s digital economy growth.

The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who restated the commitment at a telecoms forum in Lagos, said an important aspect of the NCC’s mandate, involved facilitating the deployment and safeguarding of telecommunications infrastructure, which according to him, is essentially the backbone upon which digital services are delivered across various sectors of the economy.

“You will agree with me that we cannot guarantee a truly digital economy without being able to adequately protect the telecommunication infrastructure that underpins the digital economy. 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,” Maida said.

Drawing from the powers granted under the Cybercrimes Act of 2024 to designate what may be characterised as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in July 2024, signed a Presidential Order that designates all telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure.

Citing the CNII Order, Maida said it remained a pivotal advancement for the telecoms industry, which was 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 this Presidential Order, 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 added. 

He assured industry stakeholders at the forum that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which plays a central role in coordinating the operationalisation of the Presidential Order, has already begun stakeholder consultations and meetings to facilitate immediate implementation.

“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,” Maida further said.

The NCC boss called for collaboration from all stakeholders, including the judiciary, in order to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation process.