How NCC Is Driving CNII Protection Under Aminu Maida – By AZUH AMATUS

In an era where digital networks form the backbone of national security, economic growth, and social interaction, the protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) has never been more imperative.

Under the leadership of Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecommunications regulator has embarked on a robust and strategic campaign to safeguard Nigeria’s vital information and communications assets against physical damage, vandalism, cyber attacks and other disruptions that threaten the nation’s digital resilience.

At the heart of NCC’s recent efforts is the implementation of the Presidential Order on Designation and Protection of CNII, a legal instrument signed in June 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that formally classifies telecommunications infrastructure as critical to national interests.

This designation is far more than bureaucratic jargon, it transforms telecom networks, fibre optic cables, switching centres and related digital systems into assets whose tampering, destruction or disruption is a criminal offense.

The move acknowledges that Nigeria’s information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure underpins everything from financial systems and healthcare to governance, defense and even public safety.

Interestingly, under Maida’s stewardship, the NCC has been proactive in operationalizing this Presidential directive through several interlocking initiatives that strengthen CNII protection across sectors.

One of the first strategic steps has been comprehensive infrastructure mapping.

This is a process that identifies every key telecommunications asset nationwide, assesses vulnerabilities and establishes a baseline for monitoring and protection.

Parallel to asset mapping, NCC has equally developed a Strategic Protection Framework that outlines preventive measures, protocols for rapid response and resilience strategies to ensure continuity of service even in crisis scenarios.