By Mercy Peter
As part of the efforts to protect telecom infrastructure, the Nigerian Communications Commission said it has adopted a structured, multi-layered approach to implement the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Executive Order within the telecommunications sector.
President Bola Tinubu over a year ago issued an Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure
The objectives of the Order are to: designate certain Information and Communications Technology systems (ICT), networks and infrastructure operating in Nigeria, as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII); “develop cohesive measures and strategies for the security and of CNII, and ensure their continued operation; adopt proactive and holistic approach in the identification, security and protection of CNII; reduce to the barest minimum, incidences capable of damaging, disrupting, or interfering with the operation, functionality, or integrity of CNII; and ensure the effective functioning of ICT systems, networks, and infrastructure, which are critical to driving national imperatives, economic development, national security and defense, public health and and government operations.
To implement the CNII order, NCC said it has rolled out implementation plans
“This includes enforcing minimum compliance standards for infrastructure deployment, conducting nationwide public awareness campaigns, strengthening stakeholder collaboration, institutionalising mediation as a dispute resolution mechanism, and retaining enforcement as a necessary tool where required.
“In collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Commission has convened engagements with the National Assembly, Judiciary, Federal Ministry of Works, State Attorneys-General, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, with plans to extend collaboration to State Ministries of Works,” it stated.
The Commission claimed that its mediation approach has led to successful interventions already recorded in Kogi, Bauchi, and Osun States.
