The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is developing a comprehensive cybersecurity framework to safeguard digital infrastructure and enhance online safety for telecom consumers.
The framework, expected to take effect in 2026, will address security challenges arising from emerging technologies and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy.
According to a statement released on Friday by NCC’s Head of Public Affairs Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, the initiative was the focus of the Commission’s second stakeholder meeting on the framework, held in Abuja. It builds on an earlier engagement with industry players earlier in the year.
Speaking at the forum, NCC’s Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, said the increasing digitalization of services, rapid data exchange, and sophisticated cyber threats require a “robust, adaptive, and inclusive cybersecurity framework.”
He noted that cyber risks are no longer limited to confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) but now extend to human safety.
“Both state and non-state actors are targeting essential sectors—including ours—through coordinated cyber and physical attacks. These attacks frequently target control systems and data integrity, posing critical risks to operational technology (OT), especially in our sector,” Oshadami warned.
Oshadami added that the telecommunications sector, being the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, plays a critical role in national development, economic transformation, and social interaction. This makes it both a strategic asset and a prime target for cyberattacks.
“As cyberthreats evolve, they endanger not only system performance but also human safety, amplifying the severity of disruptions to vital communications infrastructure,” he said.
“With your continued expertise, insight, and collaboration, we are confident that we can co-create a framework that not only secures our digital infrastructure but also fosters innovation, competitiveness, and long-term industry growth,” he told participants.
CEO of CyberNover, Dr. Kazeem Durodoye, the consultants working with the NCC, presented the draft framework to stakeholders, while the NCC’s Head of Cybersecurity and Internet Governance, Babagana Digima, disclosed that the project is being supported by the World Bank.
The Cybersecurity initiative for the telecom industry was first announced in June this year by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who stated that the proposed framework will outline minimum cybersecurity expectations for telecom operators.