The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to fully operationalising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), which classified telecommunications facilities as vital national assets requiring maximum protection.
This followed a successful mediation by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in collaboration with the Commission, that led to the suspension of a planned strike by the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA). According to a statement signed by Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs at NCC, the action, if executed, would have disrupted diesel supply to telecom sites nationwide, affecting operators’ ability to power generators and maintain uninterrupted connectivity.
The NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, engaged NOGASA leadership in strategic discussions, with the NCC providing technical and regulatory insights on the possible impact of service disruptions on national security, the economy, and daily life. The engagements resulted in the suspension of the planned industrial action, averting what could have been a nationwide telecom blackout.
“Telecommunications infrastructure is the backbone of our connectivity and digital economy. Any disruption… has far-reaching implications for service delivery, economic stability, and national security,” Ribadu said.
The NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Maida, commended the mediation process and called on Nigerians to see telecom infrastructure as a shared national asset. He emphasised that the Commission will continue enforcing compliance with technical standards and work closely with stakeholders to safeguard infrastructure.
The NCC reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with security agencies, industry players, and the public to ensure that Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure remains protected, resilient, and reliable for all.
