By The Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), a body of journalists that report the ICT sector in Nigeria is partnering with the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) to tackle the challenges of how to secure telecoms infrastructure and ensure that investments in the sector are protected.
The duo in a statement announcing a joint-industry forum, disclosed said that the mere declaration of the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) status granted it by the Federal Government, cannot solely guarantee infrastructure safety except.
According to the statement, certain internal and standardisation issues must be resolved by operators, adding that the forum will bring stakeholders together to address pertinent issues and questions begging for answers.
The Forum, which has as its theme: “Industry Sustainability And CNII Conference 2025 – Way Forward”, will gather stakeholders to discuss the practical way forward, noting that passage of the Bill along will not achieve desired results.
A Panel Discussion sessions will look into some of the questions arising from industry sustainability and CNII implementation.
Expected at the event are the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, network operators, security agencies, regulators, the media, infrastructure companies and decision makers in private and public firms, among other guests.
“It is a known fact that the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) is crucial to the survivability of a nation, and that the destruction or disruption of these systems and communication networks would significantly affect the economic strength, image, defense and security, government capabilities to function, and public health and safety”, the statement said.
Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, had in a forum stressed the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and tech-upgraded installation to prevent vandalism and theft.
He highlighted the widespread issue of stolen manhole covers, fibre cables and poles; community resistance to infrastructure projects; unauthorised installation of infrastructure without government approval; malicious destruction of telecom infrastructure; among other challenges to be curbed.
Chairman of NITRA, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, spoke of the importance of the Industry Sustainability and CNII Conference, noting that industry stakeholders need to come around a table to broker an understanding on how to secure telecom infrastructure, standing on FG’s proclamation of CNII.
He noted that with the CNII Bill in place, stakeholders will have to formulate measures to take to implement the provisions of the Bill and enforce compliance. These he disclosed, will be the outcome of the forum to be held in Lagos.
The forum, which will have other industry Associations also make their inputs, will afford the public opportunity to share their thoughts, especially as it regards the security of infrastructure in their localities.
