The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has warned that vandalism and cyber attacks on telecommunications infrastructure now constitute an existential threat to Nigeria’s security, economy, and digital future.

Ribadu gave the warning at the Second Edition of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) Strategic Stakeholders Meeting on Friday in Abuja. The meeting brought together top security chiefs, regulators, and industry leaders to map out urgent steps for safeguarding Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).

Represented by Deputy Director of Strategy, Ezikiel Onibiyo, the NSA said that telecom facilities are the backbone of economic growth, social inclusion, and national security, noting that their protection demands a whole-of-government, whole-of-society response.

He called for tougher penalties for fibre cuts, a dedicated infrastructure protection fund, stronger community engagement, and intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal networks targeting telecom assets.

According to him, “Telecommunication is no longer merely a support industry; it is the backbone of Nigeria’s economic growth, social inclusion, and national security. From Fintech to healthcare, education to e-commerce, every sector depends on reliable, affordable, and secure digital infrastructure. In today’s world, broadband connectivity is no longer a luxury; it is a fundamental right. Without a resilient telecom sector, we cannot achieve the Nigeria we envisage: which is a hub of innovation, youth empowerment, job creation, and security.”

Also speaking, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, said that in today’s interconnected battlespace, cyber threats could be as destructive as conventional firepower.

Represented by Air Vice Marshal Felix Uwakara, Abubakar stressed that a breach of CNII could paralyse national defence and public safety.

The Security Chief pledged that the Nigerian Air Force will continue to intensify its modernization efforts and prioritize cybersecurity, ICT integration and interagency collaboration.

“The compromise of such systems, therefore, poses not just operational risks but existential threats to national defence and public safety,” he stated.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, said that there are numerous dangers of cyber terrorism and organised crimes, calling for ongoing cooperation among agencies.

Represented by Brigadier General Muhammad Lemu, Oluyede commended ATCON for creating a structured platform for periodic stakeholder engagement, describing it as timely for strengthening inter-agency and civil-military cooperation.

On his part, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the police had strengthened cybercrime units, deepened partnerships with operators and regulators, and stood ready to act decisively against any threat to CNII.

Represented by Commissioner of Police Hammad Sule, the IG however noted that the protection of critical national infrastructure can not be achieved in isolation but with collaboration with other relevant agencies, stakeholders and host communities.

“The Nigeria Police Force recognizes that threat to our Information Infrastructure is a threat to ou sovereignty, economic stability and public safety,” he remarked.

Delivering the key note address, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida, noted that with over 171 million mobile subscribers and telecoms contributing 14.4 percent to GDP in Q4 2024, disruptions could stall emergency services, halt financial transactions, and undermine public trust.

Maida, who was represented by Assistant Director, Compliance Monitoring, Chioma Ibeh, cited an average of 30 to 43 daily fibre cuts as evidence of the level of the threat.

The EVC said the NCC was implementing the June 2024 Presidential Order designating telecoms as CNII through infrastructure mapping, a national protection plan with ONSA, and state-level coordination on right-of-way policies.

In his welcome address, ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere, stressed the need to translate CNII policy from paper to protection with clear restoration timelines, harmonised regulations, and sustainable funding. (Daily Sun)