*The Nigerian Communications Commission says timely intervention of the Office of the National Security Adviser and telecoms sector regulator, led to suspension of the recent planned strike by Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria, and enabled Telcos to maintain uninterrupted connectivity in the country’s system

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

As part of telecoms stakeholder engagement in protecting critical national assets, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to full implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 Executive Order (EO) on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) in the country.

绿帽献妻 reports the Tinubu administration, in 2024, had designated telecommunications facilities as part of the critical national assets deserving optimal protection in the country’s ecosystem.

This development comes following a successful mediation, led by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in collaboration with the Commission, which resulted in recent suspension of a planned strike by the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA).

Telecoms infrastructure聽

Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs at NCC, who stated this Wednesday, August 13, 2025, said if carried out, the NOGASA’s strike would have disrupted diesel supply chain to telecoms sites nationwide.

The telecoms sector regulatory Commission also noted the move would have severely affected Mobile Network Operators鈥� (MNO) ability to power their diesel-driven generators and maintain uninterrupted connectivity in Nigeria.

The NCC further recalled that days prior to resolution of the planned industrial action

Ukoha further explained the ONSA, under the leadership of Malam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA), held strategic engagements with NOGASA鈥檚 leadership, with the Commission providing technical and regulatory guidance to highlight the potential implications of service disruptions on national security, the economy, and everyday life across the West African country.

The discussions culminated in an agreement to suspend the industrial action, which averted what could have been a nationwide disruption of telecoms services, stated the Commission.

NSA: Telecoms is backbone of connectivity, digital economy

Malam Ribadu, NSA, had said: 鈥淭elecommunications infrastructure is the backbone of our connectivity and digital economy.

“Any disruption, whether through vandalism, accidental damage during construction work, theft of equipment, denial of access to maintenance teams, or interruptions in the supply of essential operational materials, has far-reaching implications for service delivery, economic stability, and national security.”

The NCC Head of Public Affairs said the Commission expressed appreciation to the ONSA for its leadership and dedication to protecting national assets.

The NCC also commended the maturity and understanding demonstrated by relevant stakeholders in recognising the national importance of telecommunications services in Nigeria.

Telecoms infrastructure are shared national assets – Maida

Commenting on the development, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Commission, stated: 鈥淲e will continue to enforce strict compliance by our licensees with technical standards for the deployment and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure.

“We are working closely with relevant stakeholders to strengthen awareness and cooperation on their protection.”

Maida stated: 鈥淲e also recognise mediation as an effective tool for building consensus among stakeholders.

“This resolution underscores the importance of dialogue in preventing avoidable service disruptions.”

He also noted: “Ultimately, we call on all Nigerians to regard telecoms infrastructure as a shared national asset, one that underpins our ability to connect with loved ones, transact businesses, access healthcare, pursue education, and participate in the global digital economy.鈥�

The Commission, therefore, reaffirmed its commitment to聽 coordinating with security agencies, industry stakeholders, and the public to ensure that Nigeria鈥檚 telecommunications infrastructure remains protected, resilient, and reliable for all consumers in the ecosystem.

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