NCC Boss, Aminu Maida, Urges Collective Action to Secure Nigeria's Digital Future

Dr. Aminu Maida, EVC/CEO of the NCC, has called on concerted efforts by all stakeholders in telecommunications industry to build a united front to tackle the challenges of the industry.

Maida delivered a speech on “Building Resilience in Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure: The Executive Order and Beyond,” on August 15, 2025, at the 2nd edition of ATCON’s Strategic Stakeholders Meeting—a vital platform for shaping Nigeria’s telecommunications future.

The NCC boss, who commended ATCON for its unwavering commitment to advancing our digital economy, emphasized that, “Today’s theme, “Building Resilience in Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure,” underscores a collective imperative: safeguarding the backbone of our nation’s socio-economic growth.

According to him, “As we navigate an era defined by digital dependence, resilience is no longer optional—it is a national priority.

“The Presidential Order of June 2024, designating telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), marks a pivotal milestone.”

He said with 171 million mobile subscribers and a 14.4% GDP contribution, “our sector enables everything from e-governance to financial inclusion.”

He admitted that there are challenges facing the industry, cyber threats (per Deloitte’s 2024 report) and physical vulnerabilities (30–43 daily fibre cuts); climate risks, vandalism, and inconsistent policies.

Maida stated that the NCC’s response is anchored in five strategic pillars, namely:

1. Infrastructure Mapping: Nationwide audit of critical assets (fibre, towers, data centres).

2. CNII Protection Plan: Collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to combat cyberattacks and sabotage.

3. Stakeholder Engagement: Mediation with state governments (e.g., Osun, Kogi) to resolve right-of-way disputes.

4. Public Awareness: Multimedia campaigns to foster community ownership of telecom assets.

5. Enforcement: Last-resort measures against infrastructure damage, backed by security agencies.

While the NCC leads regulatory oversight, he said success demands unified action, including operators’ invest in redundancy and security, government’s harmonisation of policies and taxes, communities charged to report vandalism and protect infrastructure.

“We urge ATCON and industry players to actively shape the CNII framework,” he said, adding that, “Together, we can achieve: Seamless inter-agency coordination, Streamlined permit processes for infrastructure rollout, Stronger deterrence against sabotage.”

He explained that the Presidential Order is a springboard, but resilience requires sustained commitment.

“Let us build a Nigeria where digital infrastructure powers inclusive growth, security, and global competitiveness,” he said.

He assured of the NCC’s leadership in the process, adding however, “the responsibility is shared. Let’s act now.”

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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