NCC Boss Calls for Stronger Protection of Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure
By Patience Ikpeme
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has stressed the need to strengthen the resilience and security of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure as the country advances its digital transformation agenda.
Speaking in Abuja at the second edition of the Strategic Stakeholders Meeting of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Maida, who delivered the keynote lecture on the theme “Building Resilience in Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure: The Executive Order and Beyond,” said Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment, facing both significant opportunities and critical challenges in its digital journey.
“In a world increasingly defined by data and digital systems, our infrastructure is no longer just physical—it is virtual, interconnected, and crucial to every sector of society. As we enter this new era, we must forge a path toward a secure, resilient, adaptive, and inclusive digital future,” he said.
According to the NCC chief, Nigeria’s digital transformation over the past decade has expanded rapidly across various sectors, including e-governance, digital financial services, telemedicine, education, and smart agriculture. However, he warned that this growing dependence on digital infrastructure comes with vulnerabilities ranging from cyber-attacks and physical sabotage to climate-related disasters and infrastructural duplication.
“The consequences of these vulnerabilities are far-reaching. A disruption in our telecommunications network can stall emergency services, halt financial transactions, disrupt businesses, and affect national security. Thus, resilience is not a luxury—it is a national imperative,” Maida stated.
Central to his presentation was the Presidential Order of June 2024, which designates telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). CNII includes interconnected systems and networks—such as telecommunications facilities, data centers, and digital platforms—that drive the economy, security, public health, and governance.
Maida explained that telecom towers, fibre optic networks, and data centres form the “digital lifelines” of Nigeria’s economy, and any disruption could paralyse vital services, including emergency communications, financial transactions, and government operations.
“This designation is a landmark recognition of telecommunications as a cornerstone of national stability and digital sovereignty. With 171 million mobile subscribers and a teledensity of 79.22% as of June 2025, our telecommunications sector is the backbone of digital inclusion, connecting Nigerians to education, economic opportunities, and essential services,” he noted.
He pointed out that the industry contributes over 14.4% to Nigeria’s GDP (as of Q4 2024) and underpins almost every critical sector—from banking, energy, and healthcare to security, education, and governance.
Despite this, the sector faces growing threats. Citing the Nigeria Cybersecurity Outlook Report by Deloitte, Maida observed that 2024 recorded a surge in cyber incidents, including ransomware and insider attacks. Physical disruptions are equally troubling, with service providers experiencing an average of 30 to 43 fibre cuts daily due to vandalism and theft, undermining service reliability, public confidence, and economic stability.
“The Presidential Order is a clarion call to protect this vital infrastructure. It aligns with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030) and the Renewed Hope Agenda. A resilient CNII will foster citizen confidence, attract investment, and position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital economy. Without it, our aspirations for a connected and prosperous nation are at risk,” he added.
