ATCON Holds Second Strategic Stakeholders’ Meeting on Critical National Information Infrastructure

The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), will be holding the second edition of its Strategic Stakeholders’ Meeting, scheduled to take place on August 15, 2025, at NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.

The meeting will be held under the theme:

‘Rallying Critical Stakeholders to Drive the Successful Execution of the Executive Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure’.
The high-level dialogue follows the recent issuance of an Executive Order by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which formally designates telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). This marks a significant milestone for Nigeria’s digital economy, and it is expected to usher in a more secure and investment-friendly environment for telecom operators and service providers.

ATCON, through its National President, Executive Council, and member companies, is extending invitations to Commissioners of ICT and Digital Economy, Permanent Secretaries, and Heads of ICT Agencies across the 36 states of the federation, as well as key federal ministries and regulatory bodies, to participate in this timely engagement.

Also expected at the conference, are all the security agents in the country, to be led by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Giving details of the conference, ATCON President, Mr. Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, said: “The effective implementation of this Executive Order hinges significantly on continuous engagement and collaboration with all key stakeholders.

“State-level leadership is critical to achieving the national objectives set out in the Order. Our 36 State Commissioners hold the key to ensuring that telecom infrastructure is not only protected but also developed to its full potential.”

According to him, the landmark development underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to safeguarding digital infrastructure, an imperative for national security, economic competitiveness, and public safety.

“The implementation of the CNII designation is expected to drastically reduce vandalism and service disruptions while improving the quality and reach of telecom services nationwide,” Emoekpere said.
Highlighting the strategic objectives of the conference, Emoekpere said it would help
secure state-level commitment and collaboration; Foster a unified national approach by encouraging state governments to commit to the objectives of the Executive Order, including creating enabling policies and local initiatives that protect telecoms infrastructure.

He also said it would help to support accelerated broadband deployment and economic impact; Build partnerships that leverage broadband as a tool for job creation, poverty alleviation, and innovation across state economies; Encourage nationwide investment by ATCON members; Promote equitable industry participation across the federation by encouraging ATCON members to invest in under-served and high-potential regions, thereby ensuring balanced digital development.

The strategic meeting is expected to be a watershed moment in aligning national and subnational priorities toward securing and expanding Nigeria’s critical telecom infrastructure.

The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) is the premier industry association representing the interests of telecommunications and ICT companies in Nigeria. It champions industry growth through policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative initiatives that support innovation and infrastructure development.