Nigeria Strengthens Digital Infrastructure with New Critical Information Protection Order

The Nigerian government has made a major stride in securing its digital infrastructure with the release of the official gazette titled “Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, 2024.” Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the crucial step, which aims to protect and strengthen investments in the nation’s ICT sector.

The order marks a significant advancement in safeguarding Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), including telco towers, switch stations, data centres, satellite infrastructure, and fibre optic cables. By criminalizing intentional damage to these essential assets, the new law seeks to mitigate disruptions to telecom services and digital platforms, ensuring improved reliability across the nation.

Dr. Tijani emphasized that this initiative is a priority for the administration and will significantly reduce the risks posed to technological systems, networks, and infrastructure. The government remains committed to creating policies and an environment that foster a thriving digital economy.