In a significant move to bolster the nation’s digital economy and safeguard vital technological assets, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially released the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, 2024. This landmark gazette marks a crucial step towards the protection of Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, ensuring the continued growth and stability of the sector.
The order establishes a legal framework for the identification, designation, and protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) across the country. These infrastructures, which include telecom towers/sites, switch stations, data centers, satellite infrastructure, submarine and fiber optic cables, transmission equipment, e-government platforms, and databases, are essential for the smooth functioning of Nigeria’s technological and communication networks.
President Tinubu emphasized that the security and protection of CNII are top priorities for his administration, as these assets are integral to the nation’s digital economy. The gazette outlines stringent penalties for the willful damage or disruption of these critical infrastructures, signaling the government’s commitment to reducing incidences that could impair the operations and functionality of the nation’s technological systems.
“This order is a significant step that will strengthen and protect investments in the ICT sector by reducing the likelihood of incidents that could damage the operations and functionality of our technological systems, infrastructure, and networks,” said President Tinubu. “The security and protection of these Critical National Information Infrastructures are paramount, as they will help improve the quality of telecom services, which have too often been affected by disruptions and intentional damage.”
The Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, 2024 underscores the government’s dedication to fostering a secure and resilient digital environment. By criminalizing the intentional damage of CNII, the order aims to deter sabotage and other malicious acts that could undermine the country’s digital infrastructure and, by extension, its economy.
In addition to protecting existing infrastructures, the order also highlights the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the continued development and growth of Nigeria’s digital economy. This includes supporting policies and initiatives that encourage investment in the ICT sector, fostering innovation, and ensuring that Nigeria remains competitive on the global stage.
The release of this gazette comes at a time when Nigeria’s digital landscape is rapidly evolving, with increased reliance on ICT infrastructure for everything from financial transactions to government services. The protection of these critical assets is not only a matter of national security but also a key component in the nation’s broader economic strategy.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of the digital age, the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, 2024 serves as a foundational document that will guide the country’s efforts to secure its digital future.
