The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is developing a comprehensive cybersecurity framework designed to safeguard the country’s digital infrastructure and improve online safety for telecom consumers. According to the Commission, the framework, which is expected to take effect in 2026, will address security challenges posed by emerging technologies while strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy.
A statement by the NCC’s Head of Public Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, disclosed that the initiative was the focus of the Commission’s second stakeholder consultation held in Abuja, building on earlier engagements with industry players.
Speaking at the forum, NCC’s Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, said the growing digitalization of services, rapid data exchange, and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats demand a “robust, adaptive, and inclusive cybersecurity framework.”
He explained that cyber risks now extend beyond confidentiality, integrity, and availability, posing direct threats to human safety. He warned that both state and non-state actors have intensified coordinated cyber and physical attacks on essential sectors, including telecommunications, often targeting control systems and data integrity.
Oshadami emphasized that the telecom sector, being the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, remains both a strategic asset and a prime target for cyberattacks. He noted that disruptions to communication infrastructure could severely impact national development, economic activities, and social interaction.
He stressed that sustainable cybersecurity can only be achieved through shared responsibility, urging strong collaboration between public and private stakeholders. The forum, he added, was aimed at refining the framework, validating its design principles, and agreeing on effective implementation strategies.
The draft framework was presented by Dr. Kazeem Durodoye, CEO of CyberNover, consultants working with the NCC. The Head of Cybersecurity and Internet Governance at the Commission, Babagana Digima, disclosed that the project is supported by the World Bank and will be finalized by the third quarter of 2025, with implementation slated for early 2026. He commended stakeholders for their contributions and called for continuous collaboration.
The initiative, first announced by NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, in June, will outline minimum cybersecurity expectations for operators, covering areas such as incident reporting, risk management, information sharing, and compliance with existing laws like the Cybercrime Prevention Act 2015 and the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023