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Nigeria is stepping up efforts to protect its telecom infrastructure with stricter laws targeting those who damage or tamper with critical facilities. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently issued an order classifying all telecommunications assets as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), giving them special legal protection.
This means vandals, thieves, and others who interfere with telecom facilities will now face serious legal consequences. To ensure the effective implementation of these new rules, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) held a workshop in Lagos for judges and legal experts.
Telecom Infrastructure Is Vital
The NCC boss, Dr. Aminu Maida, explained that protecting telecom facilities is key to Nigeria’s digital growth. “Without safeguarding our infrastructure, we cannot achieve a truly digital economy,” he said. He pointed out that issues like vandalism, theft, and restricted access have been a long-standing problem for the industry.
The new order, backed by the Cybercrimes Act of 2024, gives the government more power to hold offenders accountable. It also bans individuals, organizations, and even government agencies from tampering with telecom facilities without proper court approval.
Enforcement and Penalties
The National Security Adviser’s office is already working with stakeholders to roll out the new regulations. Soon, anyone caught vandalizing or disrupting telecom services will face the courts. Dr. Maida urged the judiciary to impose tough penalties to deter these crimes, stressing that uninterrupted telecom services are crucial for the country.
Judiciary Pledges Support
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, said the judiciary is committed to playing its part. Represented by Justice Jummai Hannatu Sankey, she highlighted the importance of protecting consumer data and addressing cybersecurity issues.
She praised the NCC for its efforts in ensuring fair treatment for telecom users and promised that the judiciary would support the sector’s growth while enforcing the new rules.
The collaboration between the NCC, the judiciary, and other stakeholders marks a significant step toward protecting Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure and ensuring better services for all.
