The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has vowed to work with security agencies to arrest and prosecute vandals of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) across Nigeria.
Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who stated this during a media engagement on Thursday in Abuja, warned that anyone found liable for damaging or disrupting CNII will be prosecuted going forward.
It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu had signed the “Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, 2024,” which is aimed at protecting these critical systems from cyberattacks and other disruptions.
Maida explained that Critical National Information Infrastructure refers to essential computer systems, networks, and communication infrastructures whose disruption or destruction would have a significant negative impact on the nation’s economy, security, public health, or general safety.
Represented by Mrs. Nnena Ukoha, Deputy Director and Head, Corporate Communications Management, Public Affairs Department, the EVC noted that the Critical National Information Infrastructure Act has provisions for prosecution, adding that operationalisation of the Act falls under the purview of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Maida stated that the Commission is working with relevant agencies like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to tackle these problems and prosecute offenders.
He said, “About two years ago, we noticed a situation where some of our key telecom operators were recording massive losses. Despite increasing revenues, they were struggling with heavy forex-related obligations that ate into their revenues. This led to poor quality of service.”
Maida pointed out that with the recent tariff adjustment exercise, these operators are now back on the path to profitability.
He said, “As a result, they’re able to reinvest in their networks, which will lead to better quality of service and experience.
“We expect investments in the industry to increase significantly this year, more than what was seen in the last two years.
“The Nigerian telecoms industry has great promise, evident in its revenue growth and service delivery, despite the recent challenges.”
The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC underscored the importance of collaboration and information sharing between the NCC and other stakeholders to address challenges in the telecoms industry.
Highlighting the role of telecoms infrastructure to national security, Maida said, “We all know that telecoms infrastructure plays a vital role in national security due to increasing cyber threats and vulnerabilities that can damage and disrupt communication infrastructure.”
He emphasised that telecommunication services are crucial for ensuring national security, particularly for addressing security issues that require effective communication, stressing that without effective telecommunication, achieving national security would be impossible.
“Telecommunication also plays a vital role in public welfare, contributing to the growth of a digital society. It provides an enabling environment for socialisation and access to services. Without a robust telecommunication infrastructure, the public cannot fully enjoy the services provided. Furthermore, a stable telecommunication infrastructure is essential for every sector of the economy.”
