, Dr. Aminu Maida, has called for urgent){kind=link}
The Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has called for urgent and collective action to protect the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure, describing it as the “lifeline of Nigeria’s digital and economic future.”
Speaking at the 2nd Strategic Stakeholders Meeting of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Abuja on Friday, Maida stressed that the Presidential Order of June 2024, which classified telecom assets as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), must be translated into tangible protection and policy enforcement.
He said Nigeria’s growing dependence on digital systems, from mobile banking to e-governance, telemedicine, and online education, has made telecom networks indispensable.
“A single disruption can halt emergency services, cripple financial transactions, and compromise national security. This is no longer just an industry concern; it is a national priority,” Maida stated.
The NCC chief cited alarming figures, including a daily average of 30 to 43 fibre-optic cuts caused by vandalism and construction damage.
He also referenced the Deloitte Nigeria Cybersecurity Outlook Report, which showed a sharp rise in ransomware attacks and insider threats in 2024.
According to him, the sector’s resilience is central to economic stability, with over 171 million mobile subscribers and a teledensity of 79.22% as of June 2025.
He noted that telecoms contribute more than 14.4% to Nigeria’s GDP, serving as the backbone for banking, health, energy, security, and education.
Operational steps underway
Maida revealed that the NCC, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, is developing a Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan to prevent cyber intrusions and physical sabotage.
The Commission is also mapping all major telecom assets nationwide and engaging in community sensitisation campaigns to highlight the public’s role in safeguarding infrastructure.
Additionally, the NCC is partnering with the Federal Ministries of Communications and Works to protect underground fibre cables during road projects, while mediating disputes between operators and local communities to prevent project delays.
Shared responsibility and enforcement
Maida emphasised that while the NCC will continue to rely on collaboration, it will not hesitate to take enforcement measures when necessary.
“Our objective is not to punish but to protect. The integrity of our communications network is non-negotiable,” he asserted.
He urged telecom operators, policymakers, and state governments to align their policies, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and prioritise infrastructure security. ATCON, he added, remains a vital partner in uniting the industry’s voice.
The way forward
Outlining the next phase, Maida said the CNII protection strategy rests on five pillars: public awareness, stronger collaboration among stakeholders, better information sharing, streamlined infrastructure permit processes, and strict deterrence measures against offenders.
“We must build a Nigeria where digital infrastructure is as secure as it is innovative. That vision can only be achieved through joint investment, trust, and unwavering protection of what connects us all,” Maida concluded.