CNII: PIAFo engages telecoms stakeholders on strategies to protect Nigeria’s information infrastructure

*Nigerian telecoms industry stakeholders are set to converge on Lagos for the 7th Edition of the Policy Implementation Assisted Forum, to discuss practical strategies to protect the estimated $75.6 billion Critical National Information Infrastructure in the West African country

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Nigerian telecoms industry stakeholders are set to converge on Lagos for the 7th Edition of the Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo) Thursday, March 20, 2025.

ConsumerConnect reports the industry stakeholders, as the forum holding at Bon Hotel Ikeja Residence, in Lagos State, are expected to discuss practical and efficient strategies to safeguard the estimated $75.6 billion Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) in the West African country.

The theme of this year’s event is, “CNII: Strengthening Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure through Proactive Implementation and Strategic Coordination”.

CNII refers to interconnected systems and networks that are essential for the functioning of the country’s economy, security, public health, and general safety.

These include Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems in sectors, such as power and energy, water, communications, finance, health, defence and security, and transportation.

PIAFo also noted the event would attract key players in the telecoms industry, regulatory bodies, and government agencies to brainstorm on pressing infrastructure safety concerns.

The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) and Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) have endorsed the event, said PIAFo.

Earlier, Omobayo Azeez, Lead Executive of PIAFo, emphasised the importance of safeguarding the telecoms sector, citing its crucial role in facilitating cross-industry linkages, efficiency, and productivity.

Azeez noted the move is prompted by the Federal Government’s recent designation of telecoms facilities as critical national assets under the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed August 2024.

‘Telecoms is livewire of Nigerian economy’

The Lead Executive of the Forum as well explained the industry stakeholders have long expressed concerns over the vulnerability of telecoms assets to attacks, vandalism, theft, and arbitrary shutdowns with attendant significant annual losses and disruptions to telecommunications services in Nigeria.

He further said: “The telecoms sector is the livewire of the Nigerian economy. If it’s not well-protected, all other sectors will feel the ripples.”

Azeez also recalled the nationwide telecoms service disruption the country experienced March last year, which resulted from undersea cable cuts, culminating in economic losses estimated at $593.6 million.

Highlighting the alarming frequency of optic fibre cuts, with over 50,000 incidents recorded in the digital ecosystem in 2024 alone, he disclosed such incidents resulted in service blackouts and significant repair costs.

The PIAFo top Executive stated: “In 2023, operators reported spending over N35 billion to repair and replace installed fibre cables that were destroyed.

“This is a fortune that could have been otherwise committed to infrastructure expansion to improve quality of service.”

On significance of collaborative approach to infrastructure safety

Despite the reports of optic fibre cuts, service blackouts, and considerable repair costs, Azeez noted that PIAFo is championing a collaborative approach towards ensuring infrastructure safety, promoting awareness, inclusivity.

According to him, this objective is being pursued in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the agency tasked to implement the order, as well as other industry stakeholders.

The Forum is also expected to feature expert discussions and presentations from invited speakers, including representatives from ONSA, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) and the Federal Ministry of Works (FMoW).

Other speakers include data centre operators, infrastructure companies (InfraCos), Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), tower companies (Towercos), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), telecoms lawyers, chief executives of security outfits, and state infrastructure regulatory agencies.

It is noted that by convening this critical stakeholder engagement on CNII protection, PIAFo aims to facilitate a comprehensive and inclusive approach to implementing the Nigerian Government’s CNII Order, towards ensuring the long-term safety and growth of the telecoms sector of the Nigerian economy.

NCC’s role in protecting CNII in the digital ecosystem, by Dr. Maida

The Nigerian Communications Commission plays a crucial role in protecting the country’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), through initiatives, such as the Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan (CNIIPP), Trusted Information Sharing Network (TISN), and by holding telecoms providers accountable for ensuring better service delivery.

Underscoring the significance of the Commission’s crucial role in protecting Nigeria’s critical communication assets, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, at the Opening Session of the Critical National Information infrastructure protection and Resilience Workshop Series for policy makers and sector regulators, organised by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC), office of the National Security Adviser, October 2024, in Abuja, FCT, had affimred that individuals, businesses, and organisations do rely on the CNII daily.

Dr. Maida stated: “The Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Executive Order emphasizes resilience—a principle that will ensure our networks can recover quickly from incidents, maintaining the trust of the public and businesses that rely on our infrastructure daily.”

Kindly Share This Story