By Chinenye Anuforo
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For better protection of Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure, which is an integral part of the national security architecture, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) have joined forces to bolster the legal framework buoying the nation’s digital transformation.
In July, President Bola Tinubu issued a Presidential Order designating all telecommunications assets as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), establishing new and stringent protections. The Order means that vandals, thieves and those who tamper with telecom facilities would soon face dire legal consequences, as the Nigerian judiciary prepares to enforce these newly-established regulations.
In anticipation of the legal implications of the new Order, the NCC and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) organised a national workshop on Tuesday in Lagos to equip judges and justices with the insights necessary to interpret and enforce the protections provided by the Order. In his opening address at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, highlighted the critical role of the judiciary in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation.
He added that the workshop’s objective was to strengthen partnerships between the NCC and the judiciary to foster Nigeria’s digital economy. “This workshop is designed to support the judiciary’s vital role within our democratic framework, particularly in adapting to the rapid changes in digital technologies and telecommunications. “The NCC is committed to collaborating with the judiciary to build a reliable legal framework that fosters digital transformation and protects national telecommunications infrastructure”, Maida said. He also discussed the recent designation of telecommunications infrastructure as CNII, underscoring the Order’s potential to address longstanding challenges such as vandalism, theft, and restricted access. “With this order, violators who damage or tamper with these infrastructures will face stronger penalties,” he added, urging the judiciary to uphold the protections outlined.
“We cannot guarantee a truly digital economy without adequately protecting the telecommunications infrastructure that underpins it. Over the years, this infrastructure has suffered from disruptions due to extensive damage from vandalism and theft, fiber cuts by construction companies, and restricted access that prevents operators from servicing critical assets. The industry has long called for special protections to ensure continuous connectivity and reliable communication services.”
“Drawing from the powers granted under the Cybercrimes Act of 2024, the Order provides Nigeria with a comprehensive policy framework to protect vital telecommunications assets—from base stations and data centers to fiber optic cables. It enhances the ability to confront issues such as vandalism, illegal tampering, and preventing access to communications infrastructure, holding violators accountable to deter future offenses. Under this Order, individuals, organizations, or even government agencies are prohibited from sealing, removing, or damaging telecommunications infrastructure without a lawful court order. Courts may occasionally receive requests for orders to grant exceptions to the protections afforded to these infrastructures. “The Office of the National Security Adviser, which plays a central role in operationalizing the Presidential Order, has begun stakeholder consultations and meetings to facilitate immediate implementation. In the near future, vandals, thieves, and others who breach this Order’s provisions are expected to be brought before the courts. We trust that, with a deeper understanding of the harm and disruption caused by such actions, the judiciary will impose appropriate sanctions to deter criminal activity,” Maida appealed.
In her remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chair of NJI’s Board of Governors, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, emphasised the workshop as a platform for judicial officers to discuss current issues in the telecommunications sector, particularly concerning cybersecurity and consumer data protection. “Increased consumer data misuse and security vulnerabilities in the digital space underscore the need for heightened vigilance in telecommunications regulation and dispute resolution,” she noted, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in safeguarding digital rights, enforcing digital contracts, and developing a robust body of digital jurisprudence.
Represented by Justice Jummai Hannatu Sankey of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring the coherence of telecommunications law and transparency in justice delivery. She praised the NCC’s consumer protection efforts aimed at preventing unfair practices by service providers and assured stakeholders of the judiciary’s dedication to supporting the sector’s development.