From left: EVC/CEO, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, IGP Tunde Disu and Chairman of NCC, Chief Idris Olorunnimbe during the visit in Abuja.

The Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, and the Nigeria Police Force have resolved to strengthen their existing partnership with a view to evolving fresh security measures to protect the country’s telecommunication infrastructure.

This was the centre-point of the discussions at the Force Headquarters, Abuja on Friday when officials from the NCC led by the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida paid a high-level working visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

The NCC CEO, who was accompanied to the meeting by Chairman of the Governing Board of the Commission, Chief Idris Olorunnimbe met with the IGP Disu to deliberate on new strategies to effectively secure the country’s telecomm infrastructure.

Speaking in the course of the meeting, Dr. Maida noted that it has become both expedient and urgent to evolve new strategies that would enhance the security of telecommunications infrastructure across the country.

Both parties agreed that the was need to adopt new strategies that would address the growing concerns over vandalism, theft, and service disruptions that adversely affect network operations, which needed to be curbed as quick as possible.

It was gathered that the need for the meeting was on the heels of the ongoing implementation of the Presidential Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure CNII. This is also given that the CNII designates telecom assets as essential national infrastructure that require increased protection.

The NCC-boss emphasised the need for sustained inter-agency collaboration to safeguard these assets. He argued that the resilience of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem depends significantly on the security of telecom installations nationwide.

Meanwhile, the IGP, who also spoke at the meeting, reaffirmed its commitment of the Police Force under his watch to protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure. He further pledged closer cooperation with the Commission to deter criminal activities targeting telecom assets.

Both parties also explored avenues for strengthening operational synergy, intelligence sharing, and coordinated enforcement efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s overall security architecture.

The engagement signposts NCC’s resolve to partner stakeholders including the Nigeria Police Force to protect the backbone of the country’s digital economy and ensure uninterrupted communication services for citizens and businesses.

Chef Olorunnimbe, who also spoke at the meeting, noted that the session was pertinent.

“The meeting was a frank and forward-looking conversation on strengthening collaboration between the NCC and the Nigeria Police Force.

“It was also aimed at evolving fresh strategies to provide stronger protection for critical telecom infrastructure, enhance digital security, and support a safer environment for innovation and connectivity to thrive.

“As the digital economy expands and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, safeguarding the networks that power it is no longer optional. It is essential and there is a reason they have been designated “Critical National Infrastructure”, the Board Chairman said.