The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has declared its resolve to prosecute vandals of Critical National Information Infrastructure, CNII, across Nigeria, working in collaboration with security operatives

Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, EVC and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, stated this on Thursday at a media engagement in Abuja.

The CNII refers to essential computer systems, networks, and communication infrastructures whose disruption or destruction would have a significant negative impact on the nation’s economy, security, public health, or general safety.

Maida represented by Mrs Nnena Ukoha, Deputy Director and Head, Corporate Communications Management, Public Affairs Department, said the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Act has provisions for prosecution, and the operationalisation of CNII falls under the purview of the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA.

Going forward, he said “Anyone found liable for damaging or disrupting CNII will be prosecuted”.

“We are working with relevant agencies like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to tackle these problems and prosecute offenders.”

Continuing, he said, “About two years ago, we noticed a situation where some of our key telecom operators were recording massive losses.

“Despite increasing revenues, they were struggling with heavy forex-related obligations that ate into their revenues. This led to poor quality of service.

He pointed out that with the recent tariffs’ adjustment exercise, these operators are now back on the path to profitability.

He said: “As a result, they’re able to re-invest in their networks, which will lead to better quality of service and experience.

“We expect investments in the industry to increase significantly this year, more than what was seen in the last two years.

“The Nigerian telecom industry has great promise, evident in its revenue growth and service delivery, despite the recent challenges.”

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC underscored the importance of collaboration and information sharing between the NCC and other stakeholders to address challenges in the telecom industry.