NCC Unveils New Cybersecurity Strategy to Safeguard Telecom Sector
Samuel Mobolaji
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched a far-reaching cybersecurity framework aimed at fortifying Nigeria’s telecommunications industry against escalating digital threats.
Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida—r, presented by Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services—d, closed the initiative during a regulatory meeting on cybersecurity framework development held in Lagos on Wednesday.
Dr Maida noted that the telecom sector’s transformation from under 500,000 lines in 2001 to over 172 million active subscribers and 141 million internet users today underscores the sector’s critical role in economic development and digital inclusion. However, he warned that this rapid growth also exposes the industry to increasing cyber vulnerabilities, particularly targeting government infrastructure and consumer data.
He said the new framework seeks to unify cybersecurity posture across operators, strengthen telecom infrastructure protection, safeguard consumer data, and align Nigeria’s efforts with international cybersecurity standards and the National Cybersecurity Strategy.
Maida added that the initiative would build industry-wide capabilities for anticipating, detecting, and responding to cyberattacks, proactive mitigation of future risks. Citing a UN Economic Commission for Africa report, he noted that a 10 per cent increase in cybersecurity maturity could significantly boost Africa’s per capita GDP.
The framework, once finalised, will set minimum cybersecurity compliance standards for telecom operators. These include mandatory incident reporting, risk assessments, information sharing protocols, and regulatory collaboration—all underpinned by Nigeria’s Cybercrime Prevention Act (2015) and Data Protection Act (2023).
Speaking at the event, Dr Kazeem Durodoye, CEO of Cybernovr, said the strategy must address emerging risks brought about by Open RAN, network virtualisation, and the integration of 5G networks. He stressed that future-ready defences must account for AI-driven cyber threats and quantum-resistant encryption protocols.
He added that operators would be tiered based on the sensitivity of data and infrastructure they handle, ensuring proportionate security obligations.
Babagana Digima, Chairman of the Committee on the Development of the Cybersecurity Framework, said the process will begin with a baseline assessment of the telecom sector’s current cyber posture. He assured stakeholders that the NCC is committed to closing critical security gaps and fostering a secure, resilient digital environment.
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