NCC Calls for Collective Action to Secure Nigeria's Digital Infrastructure
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has emphasized the importance of collective action in securing the country's digital infrastructure.
Speaking at the 2nd edition of the Strategic Stakeholders Meeting of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Dr. Maida highlighted the critical role of telecommunications in Nigeria's economic and social development.
He highlighted Key Challenges Facing Nigeria's Digital Infrastructure to include Cyber-attacks and physical sabotage pose significant threats to the country's digital infrastructure adding that the industry faces challenges such as vandalism and theft, with service providers reporting an average of 30 to 43 fibre cuts daily.
Maida added that these incidents compromise service reliability, public trust, and economic stability saying the Presidential Order designates telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), underscoring its importance to Nigeria's economy, security, public health, and governance. The NCC has taken bold steps to operationalize this Order, including
According to him "comprehensive Infrastructure Mapping: A nationwide mapping of critical telecom assets to prioritize protection and investment, Infrastructure Protection Plan: A robust plan to prevent unauthorized access, vandalism, and cyberattacks, developed in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Stakeholder Awareness Campaigns: Nationwide initiatives to educate communities and stakeholders on their shared responsibility to protect CNII.
Dr. Maida outlined a collaborative vision for securing Nigeria's digital infrastructure, built on five pillars sensitizing citizens to treat communications infrastructure as national assets.
Enhanced collaboration between players in the communications industry and other critical stakeholders.
"Improved Information Sharing*: Better coordination via information sharing with critical stakeholders.Streamlined Acquisition and Permit Processes*: Simplifying processes to reduce delays and support infrastructure expansion.Strengthened Enforcement and Deterrence Mechanisms*: Ensuring adequate punitive measures against culprits involved in damaging critical infrastructure," he added
The NCC is committed to leading this charge, but success hinges on collective action from all stakeholders, including telecom operators, policymakers, and communities. By working together, Nigeria can build a resilient, inclusive, and secure digital ecosystem that drives economic empowerment and global competitiveness.
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