“For years, our telecommunication infrastructure has suffered significant disruptions due to vandalism, theft, and fiber cuts by construction activities. This Presidential Order provides a robust framework to address these challenges, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and reliable communication services across all sectors of our national life.”
— Dr Aminu Maida
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
In a landmark decision aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a Presidential Order designating all telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Assets. This bold move, anchored on the Cybercrimes Act of 2024, is hailed as a game-changer for the protection and sustainability of the nation’s digital backbone.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), lauded the initiative during a recent stakeholders’ engagement. He described it as a critical step toward ensuring the security and reliability of Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure, which underpins the country’s burgeoning digital economy.
“For years, our telecommunication infrastructure has suffered significant disruptions due to vandalism, theft, and fiber cuts by construction activities,” Dr. Maida remarked. “This Presidential Order provides a robust framework to address these challenges, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and reliable communication services across all sectors of our national life.”
The Presidential Order equips the NCC with the authority to combat vandalism, illegal tampering, and restricted access to critical telecom infrastructure. It also establishes strict prohibitions against the unauthorized sealing, removal, or damage of telecom assets by individuals, organizations, or even government agencies without a lawful court order.
Dr. Maida credited this policy breakthrough to the NCC’s proactive advocacy and its collaboration with key stakeholders such as the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
“This advancement underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing national challenges,” he said. “By working together, we have not only strengthened the telecommunications sector but also set a precedent for protecting other critical infrastructure in Nigeria.”
As Nigeria continues its journey toward full digital transformation, the protection of telecommunications infrastructure becomes paramount. From base stations to data centers and fiber optic cables, the new policy ensures that these vital assets are safeguarded against both human and environmental threats.
“The industry has long called for special protection for these assets, and we are thrilled that the Presidential Order has brought this to fruition,” Dr. Maida noted.
With this decisive action, President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated a commitment to fostering a resilient digital ecosystem that supports economic growth, innovation, and national security.
In a world increasingly reliant on digital connectivity, the Presidential Order is a timely intervention. By fortifying the infrastructure that drives communication, commerce, and collaboration, Nigeria is not just protecting its present but also investing in a sustainable digital future.
