Preparations are in top gear as key players in Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), IHS Towers, Digital Realty, and 9mobile, join forces for the inaugural CNII & Telecom Sustainability Conference 2025. The high-profile event, a joint initiative of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) and the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), is scheduled to hold on August 7 in Lagos.
The conference, themed “Telecoms Industry Sustainability and the CNII Act – Way Forward,” will focus on the implementation of the Presidential Order on the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), signed into law in June 2024 as an extension of the Cybercrimes Act of 2015. The Order seeks to secure critical national assets such as telecom infrastructure, financial networks, and energy grids.
Among the key dignitaries expected are the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida; and the President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), who will deliver keynote addresses.
The event will also welcome representatives from security outfits including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Peace Corps Nigeria, reflecting the emphasis on infrastructure security. A high-level panel session will discuss stakeholder responsibilities in ensuring full compliance and successful implementation of the CNII Order. Discussions will span regulatory enforcement, stakeholder roles across federal, state, and private levels, security strategies, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration.
Leading tower infrastructure provider, IHS Towers, will spotlight the current state of telecommunications infrastructure and offer insights on sustainable development in the sector.
According to NITRA’s General Secretary, Mr. Chidiebere Nwankwo, the conference will serve as a platform for both public and private stakeholders to reflect on the progress of the CNII Order, identify challenges, and align on actionable strategies for the future.
“This conference is a timely and essential gathering that allows all stakeholders to pause, reflect, and realign on the objectives of the CNII framework. It must be a recurring engagement to ensure the goals of the Order are met,” he stated.
Welcoming industry participants will be ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, and NITRA Chairman, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi.
The event promises to set a new standard for industry collaboration, policy dialogue, and strategic planning for the sustainability and resilience of Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure.
