By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the full operationalisation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), which designates telecommunications facilities as vital national assets that must be optimally protected.
The move comes after a successful mediation led by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in collaboration with the Commission, which averted a planned strike by the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA). The industrial action, if carried out, would have disrupted the supply of diesel to telecom sites nationwide, crippling network operators’ ability to power their generators and maintain uninterrupted connectivity.
In the days leading up to the resolution, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, spearheaded strategic engagements with NOGASA’s leadership. The NCC provided technical and regulatory guidance during the talks, outlining the potentially devastating implications of a service shutdown on national security, the economy, and daily life in Nigeria.
The discussions culminated in an agreement to suspend the strike, effectively averting what could have been a nationwide breakdown of telecommunications services.
“Telecommunications infrastructure is the backbone of our connectivity and digital economy. Any disruption, whether through vandalism, accidental damage during construction work, theft of equipment, denial of access to maintenance teams, or interruptions in the supply of essential operational materials, has far-reaching implications for service delivery, economic stability, and national security,” Mallam Ribadu stressed.
The NCC commended the ONSA for its decisive leadership in safeguarding the nation’s telecommunications assets and praised the maturity shown by all parties in recognising the importance of uninterrupted telecom services.
Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, noted that the NCC will continue to enforce strict compliance with technical standards for the deployment and maintenance of telecom infrastructure, while intensifying cooperation with stakeholders to promote awareness and protection of these assets.
“We also recognise mediation as an effective tool for building consensus among stakeholders. This resolution underscores the importance of dialogue in preventing avoidable service disruptions. Ultimately, we call on all Nigerians to regard telecom infrastructure as a shared national asset, one that underpins our ability to connect with loved ones, transact businesses, access healthcare, pursue education, and participate in the global digital economy,” Dr. Maida stated.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to working closely with security agencies, industry stakeholders, and the public to ensure that Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure remains protected, resilient, and reliable for all.
