Nigerian Communications Commission is intensifying efforts to strengthen legal protection for telecommunications infrastructure as rising cybercrime, vandalism and digital security threats continue to challenge Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
The move comes amid growing concerns over attacks targeting telecom facilities across the country, with regulators and members of the judiciary seeking closer collaboration to address emerging risks linked to digital communications and online activities.
Recent data released by the NCC showed that 656 generators and batteries were stolen in 2025, while another 1,344 cases of diesel theft and 49 incidents involving vandalism and sabotage were recorded within the sector.
Industry figures also revealed that telecom infrastructure attacks have continued to rise, with reports indicating thousands of fibre cuts and repeated damage to critical facilities in different parts of the country.
The issue formed a major part of discussions during a high level workshop held in Lagos for judges and legal stakeholders. The event, organised jointly by the National Judicial Institute and the NCC, focused on the growing responsibilities of the judiciary in managing disputes and security concerns tied to Nigeria’s digital space.
The workshop brought together Supreme Court justices, appellate judges, high court judges, regulators, telecom operators and security experts under the theme centred on adjudication in the digital era, online safety and infrastructure protection.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, said the judiciary can no longer remain disconnected from the realities of a society increasingly driven by technology and digital communication.
According to her, courts are now dealing with more cases involving cybercrime, online abuse, privacy concerns, digital communications and regulatory disputes that were previously uncommon within the legal system.
She noted that attacks on telecom infrastructure go beyond financial losses to private companies, stressing that such disruptions also affect governance, financial services, communication and economic activities across the country.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Aminu Maida, said Nigeria’s digital economy has expanded rapidly in recent years, increasing pressure on institutions responsible for protecting the country’s digital ecosystem.
He disclosed that Nigerians consumed more than 1.42 million terabytes of data in March 2026 alone, highlighting the growing dependence on internet services and digital platforms nationwide.
Maida also revealed that broadband penetration rose significantly within the past year, while telecom operators invested over one billion dollars in network expansion and service improvement projects.
Despite the progress, he warned that increasing cases of vandalism, theft of telecom equipment, sabotage and cyber related crimes remain major threats to service delivery and national security.
According to him, the NCC is currently working closely with security agencies, telecom companies and the Office of the National Security Adviser to tackle organised criminal activities targeting telecom infrastructure.
He added that the commission has already recorded some successes through joint operations aimed at disrupting criminal groups involved in the theft and resale of telecom equipment.
The NCC boss also highlighted the growing problem of SIM related fraud and identity theft linked to telecommunications services. To address the challenge, he said the commission introduced the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System to monitor and reduce risks connected to SIM fraud and identity abuse.
Maida further explained that the NCC had partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria to strengthen efforts against electronic fraud within the financial sector.
The commission also said it plans to expand cooperation with agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the National Identity Management Commission as part of broader measures against cybercrime.
Beyond infrastructure attacks, the NCC warned that the rapid growth of social media and internet access has created new challenges involving misinformation, online exploitation, hate speech and privacy violations.
The commission said it has reviewed parts of its Internet Code of Practice to encourage responsible internet use while maintaining a balance between innovation, investment and citizen protection.
Also speaking at the workshop, Babatunde Adejumo stressed that the digital age has made issues surrounding privacy, free speech and national security more complex for the courts.
He noted that judges must develop deeper knowledge of telecommunications systems and emerging technologies to effectively handle modern legal disputes tied to the digital economy.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that stronger cooperation between regulators, the judiciary and security agencies will play a crucial role in protecting Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure and supporting the country’s growing digital economy.
