As Nigeria’s telecommunications sector adjusts to the recent designation of telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) by the Federal Government, stakeholders are preparing to meet and chart a pragmatic course for securing vital assets.
The Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), in collaboration with the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has announced an industry-wide forum themed “Industry Sustainability and CNII Conference 2025- Way Forward scheduled for Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at CitiHeight Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to NITRA, while the CNII status conferred on telecom infrastructure represents a significant policy shift, declarations alone cannot secure billions of naira in infrastructure investments scattered across the country. The association insists that only a coordinated, all-stakeholder approach can deliver lasting protection and implementation of CNII provisions.
The upcoming conference is expected to attract top figures from across the sector, including the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, heads of regulatory agencies, security operatives, mobile network operators, infrastructure companies, the media, and members of the public.
“The reality is that mere passage of the Bill or proclamation of CNII is not enough. Implementation and stakeholder commitment are what will ensure infrastructure safety and industry sustainability,” said NITRA Chairman, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi.
He stressed the need for proactive engagement, saying the event will offer a platform for frank conversations on enforcement, security, collaboration, and public awareness. “We need to all come to the table operators, government, regulators, and citizens and agree on who does what to protect our national infrastructure.”
The session will feature a series of panel discussions addressing questions such as: How do we enforce CNII provisions across states and communities? Are current laws robust enough? What is the role of telecom firms, regulators, security agencies, and consumers in safeguarding infrastructure? And how do we raise public awareness about CNII?
NITRA General Secretary, Mr. Chidiebere Nwankwo, emphasised that the forum will not only highlight policy gaps but also solicit public input on how infrastructure security affects local communities. “Our goal is to listen, reflect, and shape actionable outcomes that ensure every stakeholder understands and plays their part.”
Echoing this, ALTON Chairman Engr. Gbenga Adebayo recently decried the rampant theft and vandalism of telecom infrastructure including fibre cables, poles, and manhole covers while lamenting bureaucratic delays and community resistance to installations.
“These acts not only compromise network quality but also pose a threat to national security. We must strengthen collaboration, improve maintenance culture, and upgrade installations to withstand tampering,” Adebayo noted.
NITRA says the forum will also explore the role of emerging technologies in monitoring and protecting critical infrastructure, while ensuring that the CNII framework aligns with broader national security and digital economy goals.
As Nigeria deepens its digital transformation agenda, telecom infrastructure remains the backbone. How well it is secured and how broadly CNII is implemented may well define the future of the country’s connectivity and economic growth.
