By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has restated its unwavering commitment to the full implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), which accords telecommunications facilities the status of critical national assets requiring maximum protection.
This assurance follows the successful intervention by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in collaboration with the NCC, which led to the suspension of a planned industrial action by the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA).
The proposed strike, if executed, would have significantly disrupted the supply of diesel to telecommunications facilities across the country, a development that could have impaired the ability of network operators to power their diesel-dependent generators, thereby threatening uninterrupted connectivity nationwide.
In the days preceding the resolution, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, spearheaded a series of high-level engagements with NOGASA leadership.
The NCC provided technical and regulatory input during these talks, highlighting the grave implications of service interruptions for national security, economic stability, and the daily lives of citizens.
The mediation process culminated in an agreement to suspend the strike, averting what could have been a nationwide telecom blackout.
Speaking on the development, the NSA underscored the strategic importance of protecting telecommunications infrastructure
:> “Telecommunications infrastructure is the backbone of our connectivity and digital economy. Any disruption whether through vandalism, accidental damage during construction, theft of equipment, denial of access to maintenance teams, or interruption in the supply of essential materials carries far-reaching consequences for service delivery, the economy, and national security.”
The NCC expressed appreciation to the ONSA for its decisive leadership in safeguarding national assets and commended the maturity and patriotism of all parties involved in recognising the strategic importance of telecommunications services.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to ensure strict compliance with technical standards for the deployment and maintenance of telecom infrastructure.
> “We will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to strengthen cooperation on the protection of telecommunications assets. Mediation remains a powerful tool for building consensus, and this resolution demonstrates the importance of dialogue in preventing service disruptions. We urge Nigerians to regard telecom infrastructure as a shared national asset, one that enables communication, business transactions, healthcare access, education, and participation in the global digital economy,” Dr. Maida stated.
The NCC reiterated its commitment to working hand-in-hand with security agencies, industry players, and the general public to ensure that Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure remains protected, resilient, and dependable for all citizens.
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