The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has confirmed that individuals caught vandalizing telecommunications infrastructure across the country are being prosecuted under the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Act.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, made this known during a media engagement in Abuja on Thursday, emphasizing that vandals of these critical systems do not go unpunished.
"Anyone found liable for damaging or disrupting CNII will be prosecuted going forward," Maida warned, speaking through Mrs. Nnena Ukoha, Deputy Director and Head of Corporate Communications Management in the Public Affairs Department.
Protecting Critical Infrastructure
The statement follows President Bola Tinubu's recent signing of the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order 2024, which aims to safeguard these systems from cyberattacks and other disruptions.
Maida revealed that the NCC is collaborating with relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to tackle infrastructure vandalism and ensure offenders face legal consequences.
"We are working with relevant agencies like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to tackle these problems and prosecute offenders," he stated.
Telecom Sector Recovery
The NCC chief also addressed recent challenges in the telecommunications sector, noting that operators had been recording massive losses despite increasing revenues due to heavy forex-related obligations.
"About two years ago, we noticed a situation where some of our key telecom operators were recording massive losses. Despite increasing revenues, they were struggling with heavy forex-related obligations that ate into their revenues. This led to poor quality of service," Maida explained.
He expressed optimism that with the recent tariff adjustment exercise, operators are now returning to profitability, enabling them to reinvest in their networks and improve service quality.
"We expect investments in the industry to increase significantly this year, more than what was seen in the last two years. The Nigerian telecoms industry has great promise, evident in its revenue growth and service delivery, despite the recent challenges," he added.
Telecoms and National Security
Maida underscored the critical role telecommunications infrastructure plays in national security, particularly in the face of increasing cyber threats.
"Telecommunication services are crucial for ensuring national security, particularly for addressing security issues that require effective communication. Without effective telecommunication, achieving national security would be impossible," he emphasized.
The NCC boss further highlighted the importance of telecommunications for public welfare and economic growth, describing it as vital for the development of a digital society and providing an enabling environment for socialization and access to services.
Critical National Information Infrastructure refers to essential computer systems, networks, and communication infrastructures whose disruption would significantly impact the nation's economy, security, public health, or general safety.
The NCC has also promised to ensure improved quality of service in the telecoms industry moving forward.
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