Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII)
The Executive Order that was gazetted by the government in June 2024,
designating Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) in various sectors of the Nigerian Economy, including ICT systems in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, reflects the critical role these sectors play in national security and economic development.
In the telecoms sector, the Executive Order covers Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems, networks, and infrastructure operating in Nigeria. They include telecommunications networks, base stations, fibre-optic cables, data centres, towers, internet exchange points, broadcasting systems, and other ICT facilities whose disruption could seriously hamper our everyday life. These are essential to the country’s security, economy, and public well-being.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) collaborates with security agencies and other relevant government institutions in playing a key role in promoting the protection of telecom-related CNII.
Why We Should Protect CNII
1. To safeguard national security: This is the protection of systems and services that help the government, security, and emergency response agencies to work effectively, as damage to CNII can delay emergency response, impede critical digital intelligence gathering, weaken coordination, and endanger lives.
2. To ensure continuity of essential services:Ensuring important services keep working without interruption, such as banking, healthcare, education, transportation, and government services. CNII supports services, as any disruption can paralyse these sectors and affect millions of people.
3. To support economic growth and the digital economy: To drive our digital economy, there is a heavy reliance on telecom infrastructures, which form part of CNII. Ensuring these infrastructures are protected enables businesses, mobile banking, e-commerce, and digital platforms to operate smoothly, thereby supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation.
4. To improve the quality of service and protect consumers:
Vandalism and interference with CNII lead to dropped calls, slow internet, and service outages. Protecting these assets ensures reliable networks and efficient services, which will improve the consumer’s quality of experience and ensure value for money spent.
5. To protect the huge national investments made by Operators/Government/Investors, etc
Telecom and ICT infrastructure require significant capital investment. Frequent damage increases costs, discourages expansion and investment, and raises the cost of services.
How do I Protect Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII)
1. Do not vandalise or tamper with telecom facilities.
2. Report suspicious activities.
3. When I notice theft, vandalism, or suspicious movement around telecom infrastructure, I report it to security agencies, community leaders, or service providers to prevent service disruption.
4. Support community awareness creation in the protection of CNII
5. Cooperate during installation and maintenance works.
6. Respect construction and right-of-way rules.
Protect the telecom infrastructure; it is a national asset. Report vandalism or any suspicious activity to or call NCC ‘622’ Toll Free Line.