NCC Warns of Rising Threats to Digital Systems, Moves to Secure Telecom Networks
The NCC further called for collective responsibility, urging operators to invest in more resilient infrastructure, governments to harmonise regulations, and communities to treat telecom facilities as national assets.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC ) has announced new measures to protect the country’s telecommunications systems, following the June 2024 Presidential Order that classified telecom assets as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).
Speaking at the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON ) Strategic Stakeholders Meeting in Abuja, the Commission described resilience in digital infrastructure as a “national imperative,” warning that disruptions to telecom networks could paralyse financial transactions, emergency services, business operations, and national security.
The Presidential Order places telecom facilities such as fibre optic cables, towers, and data centres in the same category as other strategic national assets, recognising their role in driving the economy. Nigeria currently has over 171 million mobile subscribers, a teledensity of 79.22 percent, and the industry contributed 14.4 percent to GDP in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Despite this growth, threats remain a major concern. The Deloitte Nigeria Cybersecurity Outlook Report recorded a surge in cyberattacks in 2024, while operators report an average of 30 to 43 daily fibre cuts caused by vandalism, sabotage, and theft.
To address these challenges, the NCC outlined several initiatives already in progress. These include a nationwide mapping of critical telecom assets, the development of a CNII Protection Plan with the Office of the National Security Adviser, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with federal and state governments to secure infrastructure during road works and other projects.
The Commission also highlighted its role in mediating disputes at the state level. It noted that stalled fibre deployments in Osun and Kogi States resumed after NCC-led mediation with local authorities.
On enforcement, the regulator stressed that while collaboration is its primary strategy, punitive measures will be applied when necessary.
The NCC further called for collective responsibility, urging operators to invest in more resilient infrastructure, governments to harmonise regulations, and communities to treat telecom facilities as national assets.
“The security and resilience of our national infrastructure is not negotiable. The success of the Presidential Order depends on the active participation of all stakeholders. Together, we can build a digital future that is secure, inclusive, and resilient.”
-Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC
