Alert Issued Over Growing Risks to Digital Infrastructure, Measures Taken to Enhance Security in Telecommunication Networks
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to safeguard the country's telecommunications infrastructure, following a surge in vandalism and cyber threats. In a presidential directive, the Commission aims to enhance resilience, protect critical assets, and combat the increasing threats to digital infrastructure.
Strengthening Protection Against Vandalism and Cyberattacks
The NCC is working closely with telecom operators, security agencies, and other stakeholders to implement proactive risk management, rapid incident response, and improved resilience for critical assets such as telecom base stations, data centres, undersea cable landing stations, and core network components.
Stakeholder Collaboration
The initiative involves continuous engagement with operators like MTN, Airtel, Glo, and tower companies (e.g., IHS Towers) to address the surge in vandalism incidents. Telecom facilities, including fibre optic cables, towers, and data centres, are now considered strategic national assets.
Deployment of Technological Solutions
Telecom companies are adopting advanced security technologies, such as trackers deployed by tower firms and the planned use of artificial intelligence (AI) in partnership with Huawei by MTN to monitor and detect fibre optic cable cuts and alert rapid response teams.
Alignment with National Cybersecurity Policy
The NCC’s efforts are aligned with the broader National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy, emphasizing protection of critical information infrastructure as a national security priority.
New Regulatory Frameworks
The NCC recently launched the 2025 Guidelines on Corporate Governance for the telecom sector to embed accountability, risk management, and sustainability within operators, thereby indirectly enhancing infrastructure resilience through better governance and business practices.
Advocacy for Legal Protections
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the NCC are pushing for enhanced legal measures, including the adoption of the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) Act, to create stronger deterrents and frameworks for protecting telecom infrastructure.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Part of the NCC's initiatives to protect telecom systems includes public awareness campaigns, urging communities to treat telecom facilities as national assets and to report any suspicious activities.
Investing in More Resilient Infrastructure
Operators are encouraged to invest in more resilient infrastructure to withstand potential disruptions. The NCC is collaborating with federal and state governments to secure infrastructure during road works and other projects.
The Importance of a Secure Telecommunications Infrastructure
Disruptions to telecom networks could potentially paralyse financial transactions, emergency services, business operations, and national security. With over 171 million mobile subscribers, a secure telecommunications infrastructure is crucial for Nigeria's digital economy.
A Collective Responsibility
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, urges collective responsibility in protecting the country's telecommunications infrastructure. He emphasizes the need for cooperation between the government, telecom operators, and the public to ensure a secure digital future for Nigeria.
In addition, the Presidential Order classifies telecom assets as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), and the NCC is implementing a nationwide mapping of critical telecom assets. A CNII Protection Plan is being developed by the NCC and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The NCC's measures and initiatives underscore a commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's telecommunications infrastructure, supporting its digital economy, and ensuring national security.
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