To safeguard Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has sought close connections with the judiciary.
Speaking Tuesday at this year’s Annual Workshop for Judges on Legal and Regulatory Issues in the Communications Industry, which the NCC organised in partnership with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Maida made the case that several factors have caused disruptions to the telecommunications infrastructure, including fibre cuts by construction companies, extensive damage from theft and vandalism, and even restricted access that has prevented operators from maintaining vital infrastructure.
He said, “The industry has long called for special protections to be accorded to these assets to ensure continuous connectivity and reliable communication services.”
Dr Maida recalled that drawing from the powers granted under the Cybercrimes Act of 2024 to designate what may be characterised as Critical National Information infrastructure, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in July 2024, signed a Presidential Order that designates all telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information infrastructure.
He noted that “This pivotal advancement for our industry was achieved through the NCC’s proactive advocacy and strategic collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
“With this Presidential Order, Nigeria now has a comprehensive policy framework to protect vital telecommunication assets—from base stations and data centres to fibre optic cables. This framework strengthens our ability to decisively confront issues such as vandalism, illegal tampering, and preventing access to communications infrastructure, holding violators accountable to deter future offences.
“Under this Order, individuals, organisations, or even government agencies are prohibited from sealing, removing, or damaging telecommunications infrastructure without a lawful court order.”
“We anticipate that the courts may occasionally receive requests for orders to grant exceptions to the protections afforded to these Critical National Information Infrastructures,” pointing out that “During this workshop, we aim to provide insights that will support judicial discretion in evaluating such requests.”
He further stated that the Office of the National Security Adviser, which plays a central role in coordinating the operationalisation of the Presidential Order, has already begun stakeholder consultations and meetings to facilitate immediate implementation. It is likely that, in the near future, vandals, thieves, and others who breach this Order’s provisions will be brought before your courts.
He said the Commission is of the belief that with a deeper understanding of the harm and disruption caused by such actions, the judiciary will impose appropriate sanctions to serve as strong deterrents against criminal activity targeted against telecommunication infrastructure.
Dr Maida assured that the workshop will serve as a platform for the Commission to share insights into the workings of the Critical National Information Infrastructure Presidential Order, its significance, and the crucial role of the judiciary in bringing the Order’s provisions to life, ultimately supporting the accelerated digital transformation that will drive the nation forward.
