The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has resolved to work with security agencies to arrest and prosecute vandals of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) across Nigeria.
The Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC, Mr Aminu Maida, said during an interactive session with the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) on Thursday in Abuja that telecom services are crucial for ensuring national security, particularly in addressing issues that require effective communication.
Over the years, Nigeria’s critical infrastructure, especially for telecommunications, have been affected by several external factors including bandits and vandals, leading to call for interventions.
The NCC helmsman said that achieving national security would be impossible without effective telecommunication.
Mr Maida who was represented at the event by Mrs Nnena Ukoha, Head, Corporate Communications Management, Public Affairs Department said, “Anyone found liable for damaging or disrupting CNII will be prosecuted going forward.
“We are working with relevant agencies like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to tackle these problems and prosecute offenders.
“We started highlighting the need for an order to protect the infrastructure so that people will know that those infrastructure are critical to service provision.
“We all know that telecommunication services are now vital in all aspects of the economy. If the infrastructure are not well maintained all socio-economic activities will be affected,” he said.
He also said that a stable telecommunication infrastructure is essential for every sector of the economy.
“We all know that telecommunication infrastructure plays a vital role in national security due to increasing cyber threats and vulnerabilities that can damage and disrupt communication infrastructure.
“Telecommunication also plays a vital role in public welfare, contributing to the growth of a digital society.
“It provides an enabling environment for socialisation and access to services. Without a robust telecommunication infrastructure, the public cannot fully enjoy these services provided,’’ he said.