The Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has solicited strong action from stakeholders to address the surging attacks on the nation’s telecommunication backbone.
According to him, the relentless attacks cost the country an average of 30 to 43 fibre cuts every single day, thereby jeopardizing financial transactions, emergency services, and national security.
Dr. Maida, who spoke at the 2nd Strategic Stakeholders Meeting of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Lagos, today, August 15, said that the country’s telecommunications network has officially been classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), putting it in the same security bracket as defence and power installations.
“This is not a luxury, it is a national imperative.
Dr. Maida said that any disruption to telecom towers, fibre optic lines, or data centres could paralyse Nigeria’s economy, halting banking operations, crippling healthcare systems and silencing emergency communications.
The NCC boss emphasized that cyberattacks are surging, with ransomware and insider threats compounding the physical sabotage and vandalism already plaguing the industry.
“We are not dealing with minor inconveniences; we are dealing with threats that can stall the nation.
“Under a Presidential Order issued in June 2024, the NCC, working with the Office of the National Security Adviser, has launched a nationwide mapping of critical telecom assets, stepped up public awareness campaigns, and begun mediating disputes with state governments to fast-track infrastructure deployment.”
Dr. Maida said that the Commission is ready to enforce penalties on vandals and uncooperative actors but prefers “engagement, not litigation.”
He recalled the successes recorded in restoring stalled projects in Osun and Kogi States.
“With 171 million mobile subscribers and telecom contributing 14.4% to Nigeria’s GDP, Maida called for a “war-time mentality.
“This infrastructure is the nation’s digital lifeline. Without it, our aspirations for a connected, prosperous Nigeria collapse.”
He said that the NCC is now pushing for tougher laws, unified permit processes, and stronger security partnerships to ensure telecom infrastructure survives the growing threats.
“The security and resilience of our national infrastructure is not negotiable.
“Let us build a digital future that is resilient, inclusive, and unstoppable.”
