Business a.m.
Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman/CEO of NCC
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently reaffirmed its commitment to protect telecoms infrastructure and bstrengthen service accessibility at its 2024 Annual Workshop for Judges on Legal and Regulatory Issues in the Communications Industry.Â
The workshop, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, brought together key stakeholders from the judicial and telecommunications sectors to discuss strategies for ensuring a safe, secure, and accessible telecoms environment in Nigeria
Addressing attendees at the workshop, Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman/CEO of NCC, underscored the critical role of the judiciary in supporting digital transformation in Nigeria.Â
He highlighted the NCC’s mandate to create and oversee a robust regulatory framework for the Nigerian communications industry, with the ultimate goal of fostering high-quality, reliable, affordable, and easily accessible communications services.
Maida also pointed out the need to protect telecommunication infrastructure, which has suffered disruptions due to vandalism, theft, and restricted access.
The recent Presidential Order designating all telecoms infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) represents a key milestone in the Nigerian telecommunications landscape.Â
The CNII status, which applies to all telecommunications infrastructure, provides a robust legal framework to effectively address the perennial challenges of vandalism and illegal tampering.Â
As emphasised by Maida, the judiciary is vital in shaping the legal frameworks that will define the digital age. He highlighted the judiciary’s crucial role in ensuring the successful implementation and enforcement of these legal frameworks.
In line with its commitment to supporting the judiciary in its role within the democratic framework, the NCC aims to provide useful insights and knowledge to assist in navigating the rapidly changing landscape of digital technologies and communication practices.
The NCC EVC envisioned the telecoms sector as a springboard for broader economic growth, underscoring the need for greater resilience and prioritising consumer satisfaction by improving service quality and experience.
Guided by five key principles – People, Collaboration, Data-driven Decision Making, Compliance, and Digitisation, Maida has charted a path forward for the Commission.
The Annual Workshop for Judges, a forum hosted by the NCC to educate and engage with the judiciary on legal and regulatory issues within the communications industry, provided an ideal platform for the NCC to share insights on the Critical National Information Infrastructure Presidential Order and its potential ramifications.
By working together, the judiciary and telecommunications industry are expected to catalyse the digital transformation of Nigeria, unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.Â
