Protecting Telecom Infrastructure: NCC Takes Frontal Approach Against Vandals And Related Offenders

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has described telecom services as crucial for ensuring national security, particularly in addressing issues that require effective communication and has hinted at a possible collaboration with security agencies with a view to arresting and prosecuting vandals of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) across the country.

The Executive Vice-Chairman of the Commission, Aminu Maida, gave the assurance at an interactive session with the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) on Thursday in Abuja that

Represented by Nnena Ukoha, Head, Corporate Communications Management, Public Affairs Department, Maida said that achieving national security would be impossible without effective telecommunication.

“Anyone found liable for damaging or disrupting CNII will be prosecuted going forward.

“We are working with relevant agencies like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to tackle these problems and prosecute offenders.

“We started highlighting the need for an order to protect the infrastructure so that people will know that those infrastructure are critical to service provision.

“We all know that telecommunication services are now vital in all aspects of the economy. If the infrastructure are not well maintained all socio-economic activities will be affected,” he said.

He said that a stable telecommunication infrastructure is essential for every sector of the economy.

“We all know that telecommunication infrastructure plays a vital role in national security due to increasing cyber threats and vulnerabilities that can damage and disrupt communication infrastructure.

“Telecommunication also plays a vital role in public welfare, contributing to the growth of a digital society.

“It provides an enabling environment for socialisation and access to services. Without a robust telecommunication infrastructure, the public cannot fully enjoy these services provided,’’ he said.

For his part, the President of NITRA, Blessing Olaifa, expressed gratitude to the NCC for the engagement, praising the Commission for its openness and willingness to collaborate with the Media.

‎“I would like to thank you for this opportunity to be here today and welcome my colleagues to this interactive session,” Olaifa said.

‎He assured the Commission of NITRA’s continued professionalism and support in reporting the sector accurately and responsibly for the benefit of Nigeria’s digital economy.