Proposed Legislation on Critical Infrastructure and National Security
Proposed Legislation
The bill under consideration introduces severe penalties for various offenses related to critical national infrastructure and national security:
Attacks on Educational Institutions and Abduction:
– Offenders causing the shutdown of a facility are liable to life imprisonment without an option of fine. If the offense results in death, the offender shall be sentenced to death.
Destruction of Essential Infrastructure:
– Individuals convicted of blowing up gas pipelines, oil pipelines, electricity facilities, or water supply pipelines face a fine of N15 million, imprisonment for 25 years, or both. If the offense results in death, the penalty is death.
Abandonment of Critical Infrastructure Projects:
– Contractors or foreign companies intentionally abandoning work on critical national infrastructure face a fine of N25 million, imprisonment for 20 years, or both. Such entities will also be blacklisted from doing business in Nigeria.
Cybercrime Against National Security:
– Perpetrators who hack, corrupt data, install malware, or engage in activities detrimental to national security face a fine of N10 million, imprisonment for 15 years, or both.
Hijacking and Disruption of Transportation:
– Individuals involved in hijacking or disrupting aircraft flights or train operations are subject to life imprisonment without an option of fine. If such actions result in death, the penalty is death.
Destruction of Government and Private Vessels:
– Destroying government or private vessels operating within Nigerian waters, or naval ships, incurs life imprisonment without an option of fine.
Sabotage of Critical National Assets:
– Offenders who impair or impede the efficiency of ships, vehicles, aircraft, arms, munitions, machinery, or critical public safety property face imprisonment for 20 years, a fine of N15 million, or both.
Interference with Defensive Systems:
– Trespassing, injuring, or destroying works related to submarines, mines, torpedoes, or defensive systems, or violating related regulations, incurs a fine of N5 million, imprisonment for 10 years, or both. If such actions result in death, the offender shall be sentenced to death.
