By Ameh Gabriel
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in partnership with leading telecom players such as IHS Towers, Digital Realty, and 9mobile, is lending strong support to the first-ever Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) & Telecom Sustainability Conference, scheduled to take place in Lagos on August 7, 2025.
The landmark event is being jointly organised by the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) and the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON). It aims to stimulate high-level conversations and foster strategic collaborations around the implementation of the Presidential Order on the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), signed in June 2024.
Organisers say the conference is expected to address key issues around infrastructure protection, stakeholder responsibilities, regulatory frameworks, and the broader goal of ensuring the resilience and sustainability of Nigeria’s telecom sector.
According to the event programme, the conference will:
Review the current state of Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure.
Evaluate the status of CNII Order implementation.
Promote collaboration among federal and state governments, telecom regulators, operators, and the public.
Discuss strategies for enhancing telecom security and improving compliance across the board.
Keynote Speakers and Sessions
Keynote addresses will be delivered by:
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC.
President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).
A high-level panel session on “Role Expectations of Stakeholders in the Implementation of the CNII Act” will provide perspectives from regulators, operators, and security agencies. IHS Towers will lead a pivotal discussion on the status of Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure and the path forward.
High-Level Participation
Expected participants include:
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
Representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Officials from the Peace Corps of Nigeria, among others.
Security and sustainability of critical infrastructure will be a major point of discussion, with emphasis on clearly defining the responsibilities of all involved sectors.
Core Questions for Deliberation
The conference will explore key questions such as:
How can the CNII Order be more effectively implemented?
What are the distinct roles of federal and state actors, telecom operators, regulators, and consumers?
Are telecom companies adequately complying with CNII provisions?
Which areas of the Order require further clarity or revision?
How can public awareness around CNII be improved?
What strategies are needed to ensure long-term growth and stability of the telecom industry?
Voices from the Organisers
Mr. Chidiebere Nwankwo, General Secretary of NITRA, said the conference is a crucial forum to assess progress, review decisions, and fine-tune strategies.
“This event is key because it brings all stakeholders to the same table to re-evaluate the Presidential Order, make necessary adjustments, and keep the momentum alive. It must become a regular forum to achieve the goals of this initiative,” Nwankwo stated.
Both Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of ALTON, and Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, Chairman of NITRA, will officially welcome delegates and open the floor for dialogue.
The 2025 CNII & Telecom Sustainability Conference is expected to set a benchmark for policy implementation, security integration, and stakeholder collaboration within Nigeria’s rapidly expanding telecom ecosystem.
