By Nigeria’s digital transformation continues to accelerate, but with rapid growth comes increased vulnerability. Many Nigerians have asked, “Why is my data finishing so fast?” or expressed concerns about mobile data usage and telecom service reliability. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is taking decisive steps to address these challenges and safeguard the country’s digital infrastructure.Telecommunications infrastructure Nigeria.
At the 2nd Strategic Stakeholders Meeting of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, stressed the importance of treating telecommunications networks as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). Telecom towers, fibre-optic networks, and data centers are now recognized as essential national assets, crucial to financial systems, emergency services, governance, healthcare, education, and more.
With over 171 million mobile subscribers and a teledensity of 79.22% as of June 2025, Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is central to digital inclusion and economic growth. Yet, it faces constant threats, from cyberattacks to physical disruptions such as vandalism and fibre cuts. Dr. Maida highlighted that protecting these networks is not just a regulatory requirement it is a national priority.
To operationalize the Presidential Order of June 2024, the NCC has launched initiatives to map critical infrastructure, coordinate with security agencies, and engage state governments in CNII protection. Public awareness campaigns aim to educate communities about their shared responsibility in safeguarding telecom assets, emphasizing that disruptions affect everyone from businesses to everyday subscribers.
For consumers, understanding smart data management is key. Monitoring data usage, connecting to Wi-Fi, restricting background app activity, disabling unnecessary location services, and enabling data-saving modes are simple steps to reduce mobile data consumption and improve your Quality of Experience (QoE). These strategies help Nigerians get the most value from their data bundles while supporting a more resilient digital ecosystem.
Dr. Maida called on telecom operators, policymakers, and citizens to collaborate in building a secure, inclusive, and efficient digital environment. The NCC’s efforts, combined with community engagement and industry cooperation, aim to create a telecommunications landscape that supports Nigeria’s economic ambitions and protects subscribers’ interests.
The NCC’s push for transparency, infrastructure protection, and consumer education demonstrates that digital resilience is not just a policy it’s a shared responsibility. As Nigeria continues its journey toward a fully connected economy, every subscriber, operator, and stakeholder has a role in ensuring the country’s telecommunications infrastructure remains secure and reliable.
