L-R: Mrs. Christiana Tanko(Representative, Zoracom), Louisa Olaniya(Master of Ceremony), Mrs. Victoria Ekhomu(MD, Transworld Security), Mr. Yemi Oshodi(CEO, ICSL), Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani(CEO, Digital Realty), Mr. Tola Yusuf(Co-Founder, Infratel Africa), Ugochi Emmanuel (Convener), Mr. Tanko Solomon (Representive, Zoracom), Beadysworld, Hon Rasaq Ibrahim(Transworld Security), Olamide Odeneye(Representative, Paratus Cybersecurity), Maureen Adigwe (PR and Marketing Executive, Hoops Telecoms), Amachree Charity (Representative, Hoops Telecoms)
On April 4, 2025, industry leaders converged at the Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos, for an exclusive event hosted by TECHLIFE Media and Communications Ltd. The “Idea Dinner,” themed Critical National Infrastructure: The CEO’s Perspective, brought together top CEOs, experts, and policymakers to discuss the challenges and strategies surrounding the protection and development of critical national infrastructure.
The event was convened by Ugochi Emmanuel, who in her opening speech emphasized the pivotal role that critical infrastructure plays in the economic growth and functioning of a nation. “In today’s rapidly evolving world, our national infrastructure, driven by technology and data, is under constant threat. It is crucial for business and government leaders to align their efforts to protect these assets,” Emmanuel said.
Keynote Speaker: Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, Managing Director and CEO of Mendallion Data Center, highlighted the importance of securing data centers, which serve as the backbone of national digital infrastructure. He stressed the need for effective monitoring, securing cell sites, and employing professional security guards to prevent criminal activity. Nnamani also noted that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has set up a portal for reporting damages or infractions to infrastructure, a step towards protecting the nation’s critical assets.
Mrs. Victoria Ekomu, Managing Director of Integrated Security Services Ltd., echoed Nnamani’s points, emphasizing the importance of modern security methodologies to safeguard infrastructure. “As criminals evolve, so must our strategies to combat them,” Ekomu said, urging for stronger security systems in place for the country’s critical facilities.
Industry Challenges were discussed by Olamide Odeneye, a cybersecurity professional, who emphasized the need for collaboration between government agencies to strengthen cybersecurity defenses. “Cyber threats are evolving daily, and the protection of critical infrastructure from cyberattacks and data breaches must be a priority,” Odeneye said. He also advocated for improved information sharing and monitoring among stakeholders.
Dr. Tola Yusuf, Co-founder of Infratel Africa, reflected on the dynamic nature of critical infrastructure development, noting both the challenges and the immense economic potential. He shared personal experiences of infrastructure damage due to extortion by criminals, highlighting the importance of investment in secure, resilient infrastructure to drive economic growth.
Mr. Yemi Oshodi, MD of ICSL, stressed the need for robust regulatory frameworks to protect critical infrastructure from criminal activities. He pointed out that effective regulations are essential to ensure that the infrastructure necessary for national development is protected from hackers and other malicious actors. Oshodi also discussed how a well-maintained infrastructure could lead to substantial revenue generation and support national economic growth.
The discussion also focused on potential solutions, including:
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Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborative efforts between the government, local communities, and the private sector to develop and maintain infrastructure.
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Innovative Technologies: Leveraging technologies such as AI, Blockchain, and IoT to enhance the efficiency and security of infrastructure.
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Strategic Planning: Developing comprehensive plans to identify and address potential threats and vulnerabilities in national infrastructure.
The event underscored the need for proactive strategies and partnerships to safeguard critical national infrastructure and ensure its role in driving sustainable economic growth and development.
As the evening concluded, the consensus was clear: safeguarding infrastructure is not just about protecting physical assets but securing the future of the nation’s economic wellbeing. The dialogue between CEOs and industry leaders emphasized collaboration as the key to navigating these challenges in the ever-evolving technological landscape.
