By Correspondent.
(C) Brandfetch.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has reaffirmed the critical role of Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure in securing the nation’s economy, governance, and public safety, stressing that its protection is now a matter of national security and prosperity.
Dr. Maida made the declaration in Abuja on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the 2nd Strategic Stakeholders Meeting of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).
The EVC’s speech was delivered on his behalf at the summit by the Assistant Director, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Department of the NCC, Mrs. Chioma Ibe.
Speaking on the theme “Building Resilience in Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure: The Executive Order and Beyond,” he explained that the Presidential Order of June 2024,which classified telecom facilities as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII),was a landmark decision that positions telecommunications at the heart of Nigeria’s development agenda.
According to him, with over 171 million subscribers and a teledensity of 79.22%, Nigeria’s telecom sector contributes more than 14.4% to the national GDP and underpins key services in banking, health, energy, education, and security.
“Telecom towers, fibre optic cables, and data centres are no longer just business assets,they are national lifelines,”
“Any disruption to them could stall emergency services, halt financial transactions, and cripple governance”he said.
Highlighting growing threats such as cyberattacks, fibre cuts, and vandalism,averaging 30 to 43 cuts daily,the NCC chief unveiled a series of bold measures to operationalize the Presidential Order. These including:Mapping critical telecom assets nationwide to prioritize protection and investment.
Other measures,he added are;developing a Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan (CNIIPP) with the Office of the National Security Adviser, and rolling out awareness campaigns to sensitize communities about their responsibility in protecting telecom infrastructure.
The NCC boss also told the gathering that NCC is partnering with ministries and state governments to safeguard fibre cables during road works and resolve disputes through regulatory mediation as well as
hosting high-level engagements with lawmakers, the judiciary, and state Attorneys-General to strengthen legal protection for telecom facilities.
While emphasizing collaboration, Dr. Maida warned that the Commission will not hesitate to enforce compliance when dialogue fails.
“Our ultimate aim is not punishment, but to safeguard the integrity and continuity of national communications systems,” he stated.
The NCC boss further called on telecom operators, policymakers, security agencies, and host communities to embrace a shared responsibility in defending the nation’s digital backbone.
He lauded ATCON’s role as a unifying voice for the industry and assured stakeholders of NCC’s commitment to lead with inclusivity, fairness, and national interest at heart.
Dr. Maida noted that a resilient digital infrastructure is central to the success of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030) and the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding: “Only through collective action can we protect our digital ecosystem and secure Nigeria’s place as a leader in Africa’s digital economy.”
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
