NCC boss: Individuals, agencies banned from damaging telecoms infrastructure without court order

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says individuals and government agencies are prohibited from damaging telecommunications infrastructure without a court order.

Aminu Maida, the executive vice-chairman of NCC, spoke on Tuesday at the 2024 edition of the workshop for judges on legal and regulatory issues in the communications industry.

The event, organised 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.

Maida said the prohibition is based on a presidential order which classified all telecommunications infrastructure as critical national information infrastructure.

He said with the presidential order, Nigeria now has a comprehensive policy framework to safeguard essential telecommunications assets, including base stations, data centres, and fibre optic cables.

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.

“Increasingly over the years, telecommunication infrastructure has suffered from disruptions due to extensive damage from vandalism and theft, fibre cuts by construction companies to mention a few, and even restricted access that prevents operators from servicing critical infrastructure,” Maida said.

“The industry has long called for special protections to be accorded to these assets to ensure continuous connectivity and reliable communication services.

“Drawing from the powers granted under the Cybercrimes Act of 2024 to designate what may be characterised as critical national information infrastructure, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in July 2024, signed a presidential order that designates all telecommunications infrastructure as critical national information infrastructure.

“This pivotal advancement for our industry was achieved through the NCC’s proactive advocacy and strategic collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the federal ministry of communications and digital economy.

“With this presidential order, Nigeria now has a comprehensive policy framework to protect vital telecommunication assets—from base stations and data centers to fibre optic cables.

“This framework strengthens our ability to decisively confront issues such as vandalism, illegal tampering, and preventing access to communications infrastructure, holding violators accountable to deter future offences.

“Under this order, individuals, organizations, or even government agencies are prohibited from sealing, removing, or damaging telecommunications infrastructure without a lawful court order.”

He said the ONSA has already begun engaging with stakeholders to ensure the immediate implementation of the policy.

‘IMPOSE SANCTIONS ON VIOLATERS BROUGHT BEFORE YOUR COURTS’

Maida added that the judiciary may sometimes receive requests seeking exceptions to the protections given to critical national information infrastructures.

“It is likely that, in the near future, vandals, thieves, and others who breach this order’s provisions will be brought before your courts,” he said.

The NCC boss, however, expressed confidence that judges will consider the serious damage caused by interference with telecommunications infrastructure and impose sanctions on violators to serve as a strong deterrent.