In a significant move to safeguard the country’s technological systems and infrastructure, President Bola Tinubu has signed “The Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, 2024” to protect the country’s technological systems and infrastructures.
Under this official gazette, the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), Bank Verification Number (BVN), and National Identification Number (NIN) databases were classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). The designation means that any deliberate attack or damage to these infrastructures becomes punishable under the law.
It also lists all electronic payment gateways and the Treasury Single Account (TSA) database as critical infrastructures that need to be protected.
According to the Presidential Order, the objective is to ensure the effective functioning of ICT systems, networks, and infrastructure crucial for national development, economic growth, security, public health, and government operations.
This move was welcomed by Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who underlined its importance in safeguarding investments in the ICT industry while averting instances that could potentially ruin technological environments as well as their supporting structures.
