Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, Dr Aminu Maida has eulogised President Bola Tinubu over his decision to sign the Presidential Order, which designated all telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Asset, insisting that this move has provided a strong framework for the protection of telecom assets in the country.

Recall that President Tinubu had in July, signed the Presidential Order, drawing from the powers granted under the Cybercrimes Act of 2024, to designate all telecom assets both public and private as Critical National Information Infrastructure.

Speaking at a recent stakeholders’ engagement, Dr Maida disclosed that the increased proactive advocacy by the Commission on the need to protect telecom assets partly informed the decision of President Tinubu to sign the Order, which also has the force of law.

 “The Presidential Order will protect the telecommunication assets from vandalism, theft and fiber cuts by construction companies. It is essential to protect the telecommunication infrastructure in the country; no sector of the national life is left out of the digital transformation conversation. It impacts all of us.

“Telecommunication infrastructure has increasingly, over the years, suffered disruptions due extensive damage from vandalism and theft, fiber cuts by construction companies and restricted access, preventing operators from servicing critical infrastructure.

Therefore, with the signing of the Presidential Order, NCC has been empowered to deal with such issues as vandalism, illegal tampering and preventing access to communications infrastructure. Also, with this Presidential Order, Nigeria now has a comprehensive policy framework to protect vital telecommunication assets ranging from base stations and data centres to fiber optic cables.

“This framework strengthens our ability to decisively confront issues such as vandalism, illegal tampering, and preventing access to communications infrastructure, holding violators accountable to deter future offenses.

“Under this Order, individuals, organisations, or even government agencies are prohibited from sealing, removing, or damaging telecommunications infrastructure without a lawful court order,” he said.

Maida further noted that the Presidential Order was made possible by the continuous advocacy of the Commission and collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Office of the National Security Adviser ONSA and the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

The NCC-boss also said: “The industry has long called for special protection to be accorded to these assets to ensure continuous connectivity and reliable communication services.

“This pivotal advancement for our industry was achieved through the NCC’s proactive advocacy and strategic collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Office of the National Security Adviser ONSA and the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.”