*The Nigerian Communications Commission says the proposed cybersecurity framework is being formulated to address security challenges arising from the emerging technologies, towards creating a more secure Nigeria Digital Economy

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is formulating a cybersecurity framework to secure digital infrastructure, and enhance consumer safety online in the country’s communications industry.

绿帽献妻 reports the NCC said the imminent framework, which implementation timeline by telecoms licensees is likely set for 2026, would address security challenges arising from the emerging technologies in the ecosystem.

The telecoms sector regulatory Commission also affirmed that the effort is aimed at creating a more secure Nigeria Digital Economy.

Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs at NCC, who noted this Thursday, August 28, 2025, explained that the Commission hosted the second phase of the cybersecurity framework development meeting with relevant stakeholders Wednesday, August 27, in Abuja, FCT.

The Head of Public Affairs said Wednesday’s meeting of the stakeholders followed the initial meeting held earlier in the year.

The Commission stated Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services (ECTS) of NCC, stressed the need for a water-tight approach to addressing the sophistication of cyberthreats in the communications industry.

Oshadami said in regard to the increasing digitalisation of services, the rapid growth of data exchange, and the sophisticated nature of modern cyberthreats, the need for a robust, adaptive, and inclusive cybersecurity framework has become necessary and urgent.

Emerging techs in global digital space, by Oshadami

The Executive Commissioner, Technical Services also noted that as emerging technologies reshape the global digital landscape, cybersecurity now transcends the traditional triad of Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA).

According to Oshadami, intensifying geopolitical tensions and increasingly sophisticated threats are heightening risks to critical national infrastructure irrespective of whether they are built on interconnected devices or legacy systems.

He further explained: 鈥淏oth state and non-state actors are targeting essential sectors鈥攊ncluding ours – through coordinated cyber and physical attacks.

“These attacks frequently target control systems and data integrity, underscoring the critical risks posed to Operational Technology (OT)鈥攅specially in our sector.”

The ECTS of the Commission stated: 鈥淎s cyberthreats evolve, they endanger not only system performance but also human safety, amplifying the severity and consequences of disruptions to vital communications infrastructure. “Cybersecurity now encompasses human safety and must address the real risk to people鈥檚 lives when a system is attacked or compromised.”

On telecoms as backbone of Nigeria Digital Economy

Emphasising the need to develop the framework, Engr. Oshadami averred as telecommunications industry continues to serve as the backbone of the Nigeria Digital Economy, its critical role in national development, economic transformation, and societal interaction makes it a strategic asset and unfortunately, a prime target for cyberthreats.

He stated that the second stakeholders meeting on the cybersecurity framework, in Abuja, was to present the progress made since the initial meeting.

These include the refined framework based on stakeholders’ inputs; and to further validate key components, design principles, and implementation strategies of the proposed framework, among others, stated he.

Oshadami restated that as the telecoms sector regulator, the NCC remains committed to an inclusive and consultative process.

The Commission, he noted, equally recognises that sustainable cybersecurity outcomes could only be achieved through shared responsibility and strong public-private partnerships.

The Executive Commissioner asserted: 鈥淲ith 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.”

The statement further indicated that Dr. Kazeem Durodoye, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CyberNover, the consultants to the Commission on the project, who presented the proposed framework, further provided details of the framework to stakeholders.

The stakeholders at the event cut across representatives of telecoms licensees and government agencies in the digital economy ecosystem in Nigeria.

Implementation of framework may begin early 2026

Meanwhile, Babagana Digima, Head of Cybersecurity and Internet Governance at NCC, who disclosed the project is supported by the World Bank, commended all stakeholders for their inputs into the emerging framework.

Digima said while it was expected that the proposed framework would be finalised by end of third quarter of 2025, its actual implementation is expected to commence early 2026.

The Commission said the stakeholders’ forum provided a platform to consolidate a shared understanding of the strategic relevance of the proposed cybersecurity framework in enhancing national cybersecurity preparedness and sector resilience.

The meeting also offered an opportunity to review and refine the preliminary inputs gathered during the first engagement, incorporating technical perspectives and sector-specific concerns, among others, NCC stated.

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