The 2025 Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFO) held in Lagos, Nigeria, brought together key stakeholders to discuss the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) implementation.
In his welcome address, the convener, Omobayo Azeez stated that the Critical National Information (CNI) order signed by President Tinubu requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, to protect the over 76.5 billion investments in Nigerian telecom space by leveraging the breakthrough to prevent incessant cyber cost, nationwide outages, financial losses and ensure the safety of principal infrastructures that powers the country’s digital economy.
As emphasis, he stated that the theme “STRENGTHENING PROTECTION OF CRITICAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE THROUGH PROACTIVE IMPLEMENTATION AND STRATEGIC COORDINATION” Requires great commitment to addressing all the challenges by Stakeholders, including the government, regulatory bodies, and ISPs.
PIAFO 7.0: Engr. Gbenga Adebayo Advocates Stronger Penalties and Industry Collaboration to Combat Telecom Infrastructure Theft
In a goodwill message, the National Chairman, Association Of Licensed Telecom Operators Of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo suggested that penalties, such as 10-year imprisonment, should be imposed on offenders to serve as deterrents and to prevent the challenges, we need to evaluate most activities around these infrastructures.
He cited example of those stealing manholes by stating that industry players can push messages in the language they understand such as Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba to send information on the dangers of stealing such infrastructures.
He emphasized further that the telecom industry has a role to play, and things will not work without the industry putting the house in order. The event featured three Impactful panel sessions with key take aways including the need for an incidence reporting and tracking structure in place, the need for a structured system to document and track incidents of infrastructure theft and damage, the importance of collaboration and having backup plans in place for every ISP to ensure continuity of services.
The one-day summit which is the 7th in its series, was held on Thursday, 20th of March 2025 at BON hotels in GRA ikeja, successfully charted the path to foster a collaborative environment and address the challenges facing Nigeria’s telecom industry as well as ensure the safety and reliability of the country’s digital economy.
The event was moderated by the multiple award-winning MC and international broadcast journalist, Louisa Olaniyi.
For updates, insights, and upcoming events, visit LouisaOlaniyi.com.ng and stay connected with the conversation surrounding Nigeria’s digital future. Together, we can build a safer and more resilient telecom ecosystem.
