The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure, declaring that anyone found culpable of vandalizing or disrupting Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) will henceforth face full prosecution under the law.
This was made known by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, during a media interaction held in Abuja on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
Dr. Maida emphasized that the Commission has taken decisive steps to address the alarming rate of fibre cuts and other acts of vandalism, which threaten the integrity of Nigeria’s digital economy.
“Telecommunications services are vital to national security and economic development. Between May 21 and 31 alone, we recorded over 147 fibre cuts, which severely disrupted service delivery in affected areas,” he stated.
Maida, who was represented by the Acting Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha noted that the Commission is actively working to operationalize the Digital Infrastructure Initiative (DII) and is collaborating with relevant stakeholders to classify telecommunications assets as part of Critical National Infrastructure. These assets support essential services across all sectors, including finance, education, health, security, and public welfare.
To ensure enhanced protection of telecom infrastructure, he said the Commission is implementing the following strategic measures:
Full prosecution of vandals, based on the provisions of the Critical National Infrastructure Protection Bill; partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to secure telecom installations; stablishment of a Joint Technical Working Group for coordinated response and clear communication; engagement with local communities through NCC Zonal Offices to ensure early reporting and local involvement ; outreach to construction companies and road maintenance agencies through workshops on infrastructure protection and deployment of international security standards in telecom installations across the country.
The NCC reiterated that protection of telecommunications infrastructure is a shared national responsibility, and called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, service providers, communities, and citizens to support efforts aimed at securing Nigeria’s digital future.
“We are making it clear: No more mercy for those who damage critical infrastructure. This is an attack on national development, and it will no longer be tolerated,” Dr. Maida warned.
The Commission assures the public of its continuous efforts to build a secure, resilient, and inclusive digital ecosystem for the benefit of all Nigerians.
