The Nigerian Communications Fee has urged the judiciary to impose stricter penalties on these concerned in vandalising telecommunications infrastructure.
Talking on the 2024 Judges Workshop on Authorized and Regulatory Points within the Communications Business, held in Lagos on Tuesday, the NCC Government Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, highlighted the importance of telecommunications as a “Crucial Nationwide Data Infrastructure” below a latest Presidential Order.
This order, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and enacted by the Cybercrimes Act of 2024, criminalises unauthorised entry to, harm to, or tampering with telecom property, together with base stations, fibre optics, and information centres.
Maida careworn the significance of judicial assist to guard this infrastructure, warning that disruptions brought on by vandalism impede Nigeria’s progress in direction of a digital financial system and have an effect on providers throughout sectors.
He mentioned, “We belief that with a deeper understanding of the hurt and disruption brought on by such actions, the judiciary will impose acceptable sanctions to function robust deterrents towards prison exercise.”
The NCC believed that strict judicial motion will discourage prison actions concentrating on telecom infrastructure, supporting a secure setting for digital providers essential throughout sectors.
The fee famous that whereas it stays dedicated to deploying and sustaining telecom networks, safeguarding them requires a strong partnership with the judiciary.
Maida added, “This workshop will function a platform for the Fee to share insights into the workings of the Crucial Nationwide Data Infrastructure Presidential Order, its significance, and the essential function of the judiciary in bringing the Order’s provisions to life, finally supporting the accelerated digital transformation that can drive our nation ahead.”
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the judiciary’s dedication to supporting the telecommunications sector and making certain the rule of regulation in digital issues.
Kekere-Ekun acknowledged the NCC’s efforts in shopper safety and expressed confidence that the workshop would improve judges’ technical understanding for adjudicating disputes on this quickly evolving sector.