The Nigerian Communications Commission has called on the judiciary to enforce tougher penalties for individuals involved in destroying telecommunications infrastructure, a critical pillar in Nigeria’s digital transformation. This measure aims to strengthen protection for the sector, which plays a vital role in the country’s technological advancement.
The event, organized by the NCC in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), sought to explore the role of the judiciary in accelerating digital transformation in Nigeria. The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized the critical role of telecommunications as a “Critical National Information Infrastructure,” as outlined in a recent Presidential Order during the Judges Workshop on Legal and Regulatory Issues in the Communications Industry, held in Lagos
This order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and enacted through the Cybercrimes Act of 2024, criminalizes unauthorized access to, damage to, or tampering with telecom assets, including base stations, fibre optics, and data centers. The NCC chief said the framework enhances the commission’s capacity to effectively address issues like vandalism, illegal interference, and restricted access to communications infrastructure, ensuring violators are held accountable to discourage future violations.
Maida called for strong judicial support in safeguarding these vital infrastructures, warning that vandalism and disruptions hinder Nigeria’s progress toward a digital economy and undermine services across multiple sectors.
Dr. Maida expressed confidence that the judiciary would impose appropriate sanctions on those who vandalize telecom infrastructure. He emphasized, “We trust that with a deeper understanding of the harm and disruption caused by such actions, the judiciary will impose appropriate sanctions to serve as strong deterrents against criminal activity.”
The NCC believes that strict judicial action is crucial in discouraging criminal activities targeting vital telecom assets, thereby fostering a more stable environment for digital services that are essential across various sectors. The Commission also highlighted that while it is committed to expanding and maintaining telecom networks, ensuring their protection requires a strong partnership with the judiciary to effectively combat the growing threat of vandalism.
Maida further noted, “This workshop will serve as a platform for the Commission to share insights into the workings of the Critical National Information Infrastructure Presidential Order, its significance, and the crucial role of the judiciary in bringing the Order’s provisions to life, ultimately supporting the accelerated digital transformation that will drive our nation forward.”
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, echoed Maida’s remarks, reaffirming the judiciary’s commitment to backing the telecommunications sector and upholding the rule of law in matters related to the digital landscape.
