Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed the continued vandalization of critical national digital infrastructure in Nigeria, with over a hundred cases of fibre cuts experienced in less than two weeks.
The NCC head of quality of service, Auwal Abdullahi, stated this at a media parley in Abuja. He said the mission is now to operationalize the Digital Infrastructure Initiative (DII) order for the communication sector.
He stressed that a stable telecommunication infrastructure is essential for every sector of the economy.
“Telecommunication services are crucial for ensuring national security, particularly for addressing security issues that require effective communication.
Telecommunication also plays a vital role in public welfare, contributing to the growth of a digital society. It provides an enabling environment for socialization and access to services. Without a robust telecommunication infrastructure, the public can not fully enjoy the services provided.”
Increasing cyber threats and vulnerabilities can damage and disrupt communication, he said.
“One major issue affecting the quality of services and smooth operation of service providers is fibre cuts. When we look at the fibre cuts that occurred between 21st and 31st May, we recorded almost 147 cases in just a week. Such damage significantly affects the smooth operation in that area. Without a workable mechanism in place, the impact would be even more severe. This is where the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) comes in.
According to him, the commission is currently working on measures to mitigate the effects of fibre cuts and improve the overall resilience of its infrastructure.
“The Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) Act has provisions for prosecution, and the operationalization of CNI falls under the Office of the National Security Adviser. Anyone found liable for damaging or disrupting CNI will be prosecuted moving forward,” he said.
He further stated: “The Commission is working to ensure that installations are done in a well-secured manner, following international standards. We’ve identified key stakeholders crucial for operationalizing Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) in the industry.”
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