NCC Mobilises Stakeholder Collaboration to Safeguard Telecom Infrastructure
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reinforced its commitment to fully implement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), which classifies telecommunications infrastructure as vital national assets requiring heightened protection.
This renewed drive follows a successful intervention by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), working in tandem with the NCC, which led to the suspension of a planned industrial action by the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA).
Had the strike gone ahead, it would have disrupted diesel supply to telecom sites across the country, undermining operators’ ability to power generator-based infrastructure and potentially causing widespread service outages.
In the lead-up to the resolution, ONSA—under the direction of National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu—convened a series of strategic discussions with NOGASA. The NCC contributed expert regulatory insight, highlighting the severe consequences such a disruption could have on national security, the economy, and everyday connectivity.
The engagements resulted in a peaceful resolution and the strike was called off, averting what could have been a major nationwide communications crisis.
“Telecom infrastructure is the backbone of our digital economy and national connectivity,” the NSA noted. “Any interruption—whether through vandalism, theft, infrastructure damage, or disruption of essential supplies—carries serious consequences for security, economic stability, and service delivery.”
The NCC acknowledged ONSA’s leadership and applauded all parties involved for their cooperative spirit and recognition of the critical role telecommunications plays in national development.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Commission, emphasized the NCC’s ongoing commitment to ensuring industry compliance with technical standards for infrastructure deployment and maintenance.
“We will continue working closely with stakeholders to enhance understanding and collaboration around telecom infrastructure protection,” Dr. Maida said. “Mediation has proven to be a valuable tool in resolving conflicts. This outcome underscores the power of dialogue in safeguarding essential services.”
He further appealed to all Nigerians to view telecom infrastructure as a collective national asset—fundamental to communication, commerce, education, healthcare, and participation in the global digital space.
The Commission reiterated its resolve to maintain active coordination with security agencies, telecom operators, and the public to ensure Nigeria’s communication networks remain secure, resilient, and accessible to all.
