Enforce penalties on telecom vandals, NCC urges judges

The Nigerian Communications Commission has urged the judiciary to impose stricter penalties on those involved in vandalising telecommunications infrastructure, a vital component of Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Speaking at the 2024 Judges Workshop on Legal and Regulatory Issues in the Communications Industry, held in Lagos on Tuesday, the NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, highlighted the significance of telecommunications as a “Critical National Information Infrastructure” under a recent Presidential Order.

This order, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and enacted through the Cybercrimes Act of 2024, criminalises unauthorised access to, damage to, or tampering with telecom assets, including base stations, fibre optics, and data centres.

Maida stressed the importance of judicial support to protect this infrastructure, warning that disruptions caused by vandalism impede Nigeria’s progress towards a digital economy and affect services across sectors.

He said, “We trust that with a deeper understanding of the harm and disruption caused by such actions, the judiciary will impose appropriate sanctions to serve as strong deterrents against criminal activity.”

The NCC believes that strict judicial action will discourage criminal activities targeting telecom infrastructure, supporting a stable environment for digital services crucial across sectors.

The commission noted that while it remains committed to deploying and maintaining telecom networks, safeguarding them requires a solid partnership with the judiciary.

Maida added, “This workshop will serve as a platform for the Commission to share insights into the workings of the Critical National Information Infrastructure Presidential Order, its significance, and the crucial role of the judiciary in bringing the Order’s provisions to life, ultimately supporting the accelerated digital transformation that will drive our nation forward.”

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the judiciary’s commitment to supporting the telecommunications sector and ensuring the rule of law in digital matters.

Kekere-Ekun acknowledged the NCC’s efforts in consumer protection and expressed confidence that the workshop would enhance judges’ technical understanding for adjudicating disputes in this rapidly evolving sector.