To discourage destruction of telecommunications infrastructure in the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on the judiciary to impose stricter penalties on those vandalising the infrastructure.
The NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, made the call on Tuesday while speaking at the 2024 Judges Workshop on Legal and Regulatory Issues in the Communications Industry, held in Lagos State.
According to him, telecommunications is a “Critical National Information Infrastructure” under a recent Presidential Order.
This order, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and enacted through the Cybercrimes Act of 2024, criminalises unauthorised access to, damage to, or tampering with telecom assets, including base stations, fibre optics, and data centres.
Harping on the importance of judicial support to protect telecommunications infrastructure, he warned that disruptions caused by vandalism impede Nigeria’s progress towards a digital economy and affect services across sectors.
He said, “We trust that with a deeper understanding of the harm and disruption caused by such actions, the judiciary will impose appropriate sanctions to serve as strong deterrents against criminal activity.”
He also noted that supporting a stable environment for digital services is crucial across sectors.
Safeguarding the infrastructure, he said requires a solid partnership with the judiciary.
“This workshop will serve as a platform for the Commission to share insights into the workings of the Critical National Information Infrastructure Presidential Order, its significance, and the crucial role of the judiciary in bringing the Order’s provisions to life, ultimately supporting the accelerated digital transformation that will drive our nation forward.” Maida stated
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, assured the judiciary’s commitment to supporting the telecommunications sector and ensuring the rule of law in digital matters.
She also acknowledged the NCC’s efforts in consumer protection and expressed confidence that the workshop would enhance judges’ technical understanding for adjudicating disputes in this rapidly evolving sector.