Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC
NCC discloses plans to protect telecom infrastructure
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unfolded its plans to protect the country’s telecom infrastructure.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO, disclosed this during a workshop held in Abuja on Thursday, saying these are parts of the positive changes as a result of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order.
According to him, the order has created a clear way to solve problems like vandalism, damage to fibre-optic cables, and restricted access to telecom facilities, adding that “these issues have caused big financial losses and interrupted services in the past.”
Maida, commended organizers of the workshop, said it highlighted the urgent need to protect the country’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).
The NCC boss also commended the synergy between government agencies, regulators, and industry leaders, arguing that this partnership is key to creating secure and reliable communication systems across Nigeria.
“This is a major step towards protecting communication and digital systems in West Africa,” he stated.
He insisted that CNII remains vital systems and networks needed for the economy, national security, public health, and safety.
He commended President Tinubu, National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Communications, Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, for their commitment to protecting these infrastructures and supporting the economy.
Dr. Maida also highlighted the challenges caused by property owners and government agencies blocking access to telecom facilities.
According to him, “Restricted access hampers network expansion and affects service quality,” saying however, with the executive order, there is now a framework to solve these problems.
“We will focus on raising awareness and working with stakeholders to protect these assets and ensure secure communications for all Nigerians,” he said.
He described the executive order as a “dream come true” for the telecom industry as it provides solutions to issues like vandalism, theft, and fibre cuts during construction.
The workshop was organized by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC), which operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser.