PIAFo unites stakeholders, explores telecoms protection strategies

In a bid to safeguard the country’s $75.6 billion telecom industry, stakeholders are set to convene at the seventh edition of the Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo) to discuss pragmatic strategies for protecting critical information infrastructure.

The forthcoming Summit, scheduled for March 20, 2025, in Lagos, is themed: “CNII: Strengthening Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure through Proactive Implementation and Strategic Coordination,” and will bring together key players in the telecom industry, regulatory bodies, and government agencies to brainstorm on pressing infrastructure safety concerns.

The move is prompted by the recent designation of telecoms facilities as critical national assets under the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order, signed by President Bola Tinubu in August 2024.

Industry stakeholders have long expressed concerns over the vulnerability of telecom assets to attacks, vandalism, theft, and arbitrary shutdowns, resulting in significant annual losses and disruptions to telecommunications services.

Lead Executive of PIAFo, Omobayo Azeez, emphasised the importance of safeguarding the telecoms sector, citing its crucial role in facilitating cross-industry linkages, efficiency, and productivity.

To prevent a repeat of such incidents, PIAFo is championing a collaborative approach to infrastructure safety, promoting awareness, inclusivity and partnerships with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the agency tasked to implement the order as well as other stakeholders.

The Summit will feature expert discussions and presentations from invited speakers, including representatives from ONSA, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) and the Federal Ministry of Works (FMoW), among others.