BY TAIWO ADELU
The Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has described the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Executive Order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June this year as a good development that will strengthen the protection of Nigeria’s telecommunications and digital infrastructure.
While delivering the keynote address early on Monday in Abuja at the launch of the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Protection and Resilience Workshop, organized by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief regulator of the country’s telecom sector said that the workshop series will drive the urgent implementation of the CNII Executive Order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—a major step towards securing Nigeria’s communications and digital infrastructure.
“As the telecoms regulator, we’re encouraged by this Order and express our gratitude to His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Hon. Minister of Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Nigeria, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for their dedication to protecting our nation’s critical information infrastructure and supporting economic stability,” Dr. Maida said.
According to him, the CNII Executive Order came at a period where the telecom industry faces significant challenges, including frequent fibre cuts, vandalism, and theft, which cost operators billions of Naira in revenue and billions of Naira in repair expenses.
“Additionally, restricted access to telecom facilities by property owners and government entities hampers network expansion efforts, limiting connectivity and impacting service quality.
“With this Executive Order, we now have a framework to address these issues collaboratively. We will prioritize raising awareness and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders to safeguard our national assets and ensure resilient, secure communications for all Nigerians,” he said.
