By Chinenye Anuforo
Following a recent Executive Order from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) formally designating telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), telecommunications operators under the aegis of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has announced a strategic stakeholders’ meeting.
Scheduled for August 15, 2025, in Abuja, this second edition of their engagement series aims to thoroughly explore the benefits this designation brings to the sector.
The upcoming meeting, themed ‘Rallying Critical Stakeholders to Drive the Successful Execution of the Executive Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure,’ marks a significant moment for Nigeria’s digital economy. It is widely anticipated to usher in a more secure and investment-friendly environment for both telecom operators and service providers across the nation.
ATCON, through its National President, Executive Council, and member companies, is extending invitations to a broad spectrum of key figures. This includes Commissioners of ICT and Digital Economy, Permanent Secretaries, and Heads of ICT Agencies from all 36 states of the Federation, alongside representatives from crucial Federal Ministries and regulatory bodies. Their participation is deemed essential for this timely discussion.
“The effective implementation of this Executive Order hinges significantly on continuous engagement and collaboration with all key stakeholders,” stated Mr. Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President of ATCON. He further emphasized, “State-level leadership is critical to achieving the national objectives set out in the Order. Our 36 State Commissioners hold the key to ensuring that telecom infrastructure is not only protected but also developed to its full potential.”
This development underscored the Nigerian government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its digital infrastructure. Such protection is an absolute imperative for national security, economic competitiveness, and the overall safety of the public. The full implementation of the CNII designation is expected to drastically reduce instances of vandalism and service disruptions, thereby improving the quality and expanding the reach of telecom services nationwide.
The meeting is structured around several core objectives designed to maximize the impact of the CNII designation which includes: Secure state-level commitment and collaboration: To foster a unified national approach by encouraging state governments to fully commit to the Executive Order’s objectives. This includes creating supportive policies and local initiatives specifically aimed at protecting telecom infrastructure.
Accelerate broadband deployment and economic impact: To build robust partnerships that will leverage broadband as a powerful tool for job creation, poverty alleviation, and fostering innovation across state economies.
Finally, to promote equitable industry participation across the Federation, encouraging ATCON members to invest strategically in both under-served and high-potential regions, thereby ensuring balanced digital development.
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