In a significant move to bolster national security and safeguard critical digital assets, the Nigerian federal government has officially designated the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), Bank Verification Number (BVN), and National Identification Number (NIN) databases as critical national information infrastructure (CNII).
The declaration, outlined in the ‘Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, 2024’, was announced by President Bola Tinubu and published in an official gazette. This designation underscores the vital role these systems play in the country’s economic development, national security, and public services.
Protecting the Backbone of Nigeria’s Digital Economy
The CNII designation means that any intentional attack or disruption of these infrastructures will be considered a serious offense, punishable by law. This measure aims to deter cybercriminals and protect the nation’s digital assets from potential threats.
Beyond NIBSS, BVN, and NIN, the gazette also identifies other electronic payment gateways and the Treasury Single Account (TSA) database as critical infrastructures. These systems are essential for financial transactions, government operations, and the overall functioning of the economy.
Minister Emphasizes the Importance of Protecting Critical Infrastructure
Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, hailed the gazette as a crucial step towards strengthening the country’s ICT sector. He stressed that by protecting critical infrastructure, the government can mitigate disruptions and ensure the smooth operation of essential services.
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The minister expressed particular satisfaction with the designation of all telecom infrastructure as CNII. This move is expected to enhance the quality of telecom services, which have often been affected by vandalism and disruptions. He highlighted the need to safeguard assets such as telco towers, switch stations, data centers, and fiber optic cables to prevent interruptions in communication and internet connectivity.
The Threat of Cable Cuts
The designation of critical infrastructure comes at a time when telecom operators in Nigeria are facing significant challenges due to frequent cable cuts. In 2023 alone, MTN Nigeria reported over 6,000 instances of fiber cable damage. The company has invested heavily in relocating vulnerable cables and building new infrastructure to mitigate these disruptions.
Airtel Nigeria has also experienced similar issues, with an average of 1,000 cable cuts per month. The CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz, emphasized the need for greater collaboration between telecom operators and other stakeholders to address this problem.
If You Ask Me
Cable cuts and other disruptions to critical infrastructure can have a significant economic impact. They can lead to service outages, financial losses, and disruptions to businesses and government operations. By protecting these infrastructures, the government aims to minimize these negative consequences.
The designation of NIBSS, BVN, NIN, and other systems as critical national infrastructure is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s digital assets. This move is expected to enhance national security, promote economic development, and improve the overall quality of life for Nigerians. As the country continues to embrace digital technologies, protecting critical infrastructure will be essential for ensuring a prosperous and resilient future.
