Safeguarding critical national infrastructure

Recently, the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno bemoaned how cybercriminals have been inflicting damage on many Critical National Information Infrastructures (CNII) in the country and reiterated government’s commitment and assurance on the protection of these critical national assets against wanton vandalism.

Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) are assets, services and systems that support the economic, political and social life of a nation.

They cut across every sector and include schools, hospitals, industries, roads etc.

These assets are so vital that the incapacity or destruction of any may have a debilitating impact on security, economy, health, safety, education, food and agriculture, environment, transportation etc.

The critical nature of these assets and infrastructure underscore the need to conduct periodic reviews, audits and risk assessments to ensure their protection and resilience. To this end, we will develop a CNAI Protection Response Plan that designates roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders such as the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Fire Service as well as other security and intelligence agencies, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the general public. ONSA will coordinate CNAI protection, policy development and ensure implementation and liaison across all levels of government and industry. State and local governments are to set up corresponding structures to coordinate activities and request for assistance where necessary.

However, upon all these necessary measures put in place by the government toward guaranteeing the safety and formidability of these national assets, the goals cannot be achieved without adequate support from the members of the public.

Citizens should note that, protecting CNAI is not the responsibility of the government alone, it equally entails synergy, collaboration and coordination from members of the society since they are the sole owners of these critical infrastructures.

Alas, it is worrisome that nowadays people consider these assets as treasures owned by the government, thus becoming prime targets of attacks in an attempt to frustrate government whenever there is uneasiness especially violent protest such as that of EndSARS which the country is still yet to recover from.

Therefore, citizens should always demonstrate readiness and patriotism towards ensuring the safety of these critical assets and infrastructures, as they are the sole beneficiaries of the pleasure derived from the services rendered by these assets.

Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi,

Kano.

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