Nigeria’s Benue sets national benchmark for digital infrastructure, cybersecurity meets Agency

Nigeria
At the Strategic Stakeholders’ Meeting on the Executive Order for Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), held yesterday in Abuja, Benue State emerged as a national model for digital transformation and cybersecurity excellence.
The event, organized by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) and attended by commissioners from all 36 states, the FCT, permanent secretaries, and ICT agency heads, spotlighted the rapid digital progress achieved under the stewardship of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State
Representatives from the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company PLC (BDIC), led by Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Gbande Terwase Hembaor, proudly showcased two years of breakthrough achievements—including the extensive rollout of digital infrastructure, robust cybersecurity enhancements, and comprehensive systems for securing vital state and national assets. These initiatives, powered by strategic partnerships and a commitment to innovation, garnered enthusiastic applause from stakeholders, positioning Benue as a leader in subnational digital transformation.

CNII, vital to Nigeria’s security and stability, encompasses key sectors such as energy, finance, telecommunications, transportation, and government services. The Federal Government’s Executive Order, signed in June 2024, established a nationwide legal and operational mandate for CNII protection, compelling all tiers of government and critical sector operators to adopt stringent safeguards in line with global cybersecurity standards.
In alignment with this directive, Benue State has implemented secure digital platforms for land administration, expanded broadband access, deployed advanced surveillance systems, and integrated modern ICT governance frameworks to reinforce resilience and service continuity. The state is further advancing these efforts through a proposed Executive Bill on Digital Economy and E-Governance Law, which will institutionalize CNII protection at the legislative level.

Benue State’s proactive measures not only secure crucial state assets but also contribute significantly to Nigeria’s broader CNII protection agenda. Today’s recognition affirms the state’s pivotal role in safeguarding Nigeria’s digital future and sets a benchmark for other subnational governments across the country.