The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has urged the federal and state governments to work together more closely to protect telecommunications infrastructure, boost broadband investment, and realise Nigeria’s full digital potential.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, made the call during a Business Roundtable on Improving Investments in Broadband Connectivity and Safeguarding Critical National Infrastructure in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The Roundtable, which is a collaboration between the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), was organised to provide a high-level engagement platform for Federal and State Governments, private sector stakeholders, and development partners.
Issues surrounding accelerated broadband infrastructure deployment, proffer solutions, investment opportunities, and strengthen the protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), were discussed.
The event, themed “Right of Way and Protection of Broadband Infrastructure – The Road to Success in Broadband Investment and Connectivity,” is aimed at discussing the importance of restructuring and enhancing the digital revolution.
Dr Maida emphasised that connectivity is the foundation of economic inclusion, productivity, and national resilience, adding that every moment of disrupted service carries economic and security implications.
He said, “Connectivity is the quiet enabler of modern life. When it fails, productivity stalls, opportunities disappear, and sometimes lives are at risk,” he said. “Broadband is no longer a luxury, it is the lifeline of our digital economy.”
The NCC boss noted that Nigeria’s broadband penetration stands at 48.81%, with over 140 million internet users, and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving 70% broadband penetration by the end of 2025 under the National Broadband Plan (2020 to 2025)
Dr Maida reaffirmed that the NCC will continue to champion broadband expansion and protect Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, but emphasised that success depends on collective effort.
In his remarks, the Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Umar Radda reiterated his state’s commitment to the protection of critical digital infrastructure.
According to him, Katsina state had established Community Level Committees (CLCs) across its 351 wards to safeguard public infrastructure, involving religious and traditional leaders, youth, and women.
He added that the initiative aims to ensure community ownership and daily protection of vital installations, especially telecom assets, which are key to economic development.
The governor emphasised that attracting investment in broadband connectivity depends largely on how well these assets are protected.