- Telecommunication infrastructure companies and the Nigerian Communications Commission have proposed key strategies to safeguard Nigeria's telecommunications infrastructure from cyber threats, theft, and vandalism
- Stakeholders emphasised the importance of a collaborative national effort, urging regulators, operators, and citizens to protect telecom assets
- The NCC has formed a committee to update and implement a robust protection plan, with a new version expected before the end of the year
Telecommunications infrastructure company IHS Towers, the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have proposed a series of strategies to safeguard Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure from cyber threats, theft, and vandalism.
These recommendations were made during a breakout session at the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja on October 15, themed “Protecting Critical National Infrastructure: Securing Nigeria’s Telecommunications Sector for Sustainable Growth.”
The session focused on the urgent need to protect Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure, which has been officially designated as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), from increasing cyber threats and physical risks.
These threats can disrupt the country’s digital economy and hinder its growth across critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and financial services.
Collaborative approach to securing telecom infrastructure
Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer at IHS (Nigeria) Ltd., Mr Dapo Otunla, emphasised the importance of a collaborative approach in safeguarding the country’s telecom assets.
He stressed that protecting telecommunications infrastructure is essential for achieving Nigeria’s economic objectives, calling for a united front among stakeholders to address security challenges.
Otunla proposed the development of a comprehensive Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan (CNIIPP) to protect the nation's digital backbone.
He underscored that the plan must be robust and focus on strengthening the ecosystem that supports national security and digital growth.
In partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, IHS has launched initiatives to equip 3 million Nigerians with essential digital skills over the next three years and to develop innovation hubs in academic institutions.
Otunla highlighted that IHS’s infrastructure underpins the digital economy, promoting access to healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and other critical services.
Raising public awareness and ensuring accountability
Otunla further emphasised the need for widespread public awareness about protecting critical telecom infrastructure.
He pointed out that the recent “Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, 2024” approved by the federal government provides a solid legal framework for addressing these issues.
However, he noted that successfully implementing this order requires collective responsibility.
“It’s not just the responsibility of telecom operators, regulators, or the government. Every Nigerian must understand the value of telecommunications infrastructure, especially when services are disrupted,” Otunla said.
He added that the next steps include comprehensive implementation by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the NCC.
ALTON’s recommendations for telecom infrastructure protection
ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo welcomed the federal government’s decision to designate communication infrastructure as CNI, calling it a significant step forward for the industry.
However, he warned that the benefits of this designation would be limited without developing and enforcing a detailed protection plan.
Adebayo stressed the need for an effective CNIIPP that includes a secure, centralised, and up-to-date database of all telecom infrastructure managed by the NCC and ONSA.
He also called for mandatory routine surveillance of telecom infrastructure nationwide by security agencies such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the police.
Adebayo recommended clear procedures for responding to threats against telecom assets, with defined timelines for intervention and resolution by security agencies.
He also highlighted bureaucratic delays and interference by road construction companies as critical risks that must be addressed.
NCC’s legal and regulatory framework
The NCC's Deputy Director of Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, Isah Latinwo, described the recent executive order as a significant legal development for telecom operators and other stakeholders.
He assured that the Commission has already formed a committee to examine the protection plan and work towards implementing it.
According to Latinwo, an updated plan will be released before the end of the year, providing operators and stakeholders with more precise guidelines on safeguarding infrastructure.
Latinwo reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to ensuring the security and resilience of Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure, a critical asset for the nation’s ongoing digital transformation.
Customs and Immigration agencies to advance use of technology at Nigerian borders
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service, has revealed plans to roll out innovative technologies at the nation’s borders, focusing on improving trade flow and security.
Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, emphasised that the initiative will enable faster passage for goods and passengers, improve trade efficiency, facilitate security, and provide economic data.