By Uche Onyeali
Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida has stressed the vital roles being played by the commission in ensuring a comprehensive framework to protect telecommunication assets.
Dr Maida stated this in a welcome address at the 2024 Judges Workshop with the theme: ‘The Role of the Judiciary in Accelerating Digital Transformation in Nigeria,’ held in Lagos.
He noted that this year’s theme is fitting, considering the urgency of scaling up digital transformation across Nigeria, as well as the importance placed by government on improving coordination and synergy among key stakeholders to achieve more beneficial outcomes on its policies.
He said the workshop, which was organised by NCC, in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute, NJI, provides an opportunity for deeper partnership and understanding between NCC and the judiciary, “with the goal of advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation.”
The NCC boss added that the workshop would also have experts providing valuable insights to support the judiciary in fulfilling its vital role within the nation’s democratic framework, especially as it relates to the evolving landscape of digital technologies and communication practices.
For the role played by the commission in fostering the digital transformation of Nigeria, he said NCC had been providing the backbone of connectivity with the commitment to build enduring partnerships across government, especially with the judiciary.
“Our mandate at the Nigerian Communications Commission, as enshrined in the National Communications Act 2003, is a wide-ranging one that includes the establishment and oversight of a regulatory framework for the communications industry, as well as the promotion of efficient, reliable, affordable and easily accessible communications services across the country.
“This mandate means that we play an integral role in Nigeria’s transition to a truly digital economy. An important aspect of this role involves facilitating the deployment and safeguarding of telecommunication infrastructure – which is essentially the backbone upon which digital services are delivered across various sectors of the economy.
“You will agree with me that we cannot guarantee a truly digital economy without being able to adequately protect this telecommunication infrastructure that underpins the digital economy. I am aware, as you all are, of the extent to which the judiciary today depends on digital tools and technologies to carry out its functions. Much of the work that you do as judges has been transformed over time by the introduction of technology, commendably improving the pace and quality of the delivery of justice in Nigeria.
“So, clearly, no sector of national life is left out of the digital transformation conversation. It impacts all of us,” he said.
Maida observed that as a result of years of disruption of telecommunication infrastructure due to extensive damage from vandalism and theft, fiber cuts by construction companies, among others, activities that prevented operators from servicing critical infrastructure, the need for special protection for such vital assets to ensure continuous connectivity and reliable communication services, cannot be overemphasised.
According to him, “Drawing from the powers granted under the Cybercrimes Act of 2024 to designate what may be characterised as Critical National Information Infrastructure, President Bola Tinubu in July signed a Presidential Order that designates all telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure.
“This pivotal advancement for our industry was achieved through 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.
“With this Presidential Order, Nigeria now has a comprehensive policy framework to protect vital telecommunication assets — 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.
“We anticipate that the courts may occasionally receive requests for orders to grant exceptions to the protection afforded to these Critical National Information Infrastructure. During this workshop, we aim to provide insights that will support judicial discretion in evaluating such requests.
“The Office of the National Security Adviser, which plays a central role in coordinating the operationalisation of the Presidential Order, has already begun stakeholder consultations and meetings to facilitate immediate implementation. It is likely that, in the near future, vandals, thieves and others who breach this Order’s provisions will be brought before your courts.”
He, therefore, expressed optimism that with the understanding of the harm and disruption caused by such heinous actions, the judiciary would come up with appropriate sanctions to serve as deterrents against the criminal activities.
