Nigerian Communications Commission Develops Cybersecurity Framework for Secure Digital Economy

Strategic Insights -

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is establishing a comprehensive cybersecurity framework to protect digital infrastructure and enhance online safety for consumers in the communications industry. The framework, with a planned implementation timeline by telecom licensees set for 2026, aims to address emerging security challenges and create a more secure digital economy in Nigeria. The NCC's Executive Commissioner, Technical Services (ECTS), Abraham Oshadami, emphasized the need for a robust approach to counter sophisticated cyber threats.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is developing a cybersecurity framework to secure digital infrastructure and enhance online safety for consumers in the communications industry.
  • The framework will address security challenges arising from emerging technologies and create a more secure digital economy in Nigeria.
  • The NCC's Executive Commissioner, Technical Services (ECTS), Abraham Oshadami, stressed the need for a water-tight approach to address the sophistication of cyber threats in the industry.
  • The framework will be implemented by telecom licensees in 2026.
  • Emerging technologies, including digitalization of services and data exchange, have increased the need for a robust and adaptive cybersecurity framework.
  • The framework will address the real risk to human safety when a system is attacked or compromised, and will encompass not only system performance but also human safety.
  • The NCC is committed to an inclusive and consultative process, recognizing that sustainable cybersecurity outcomes can only be achieved through shared responsibility and strong public-private partnerships.
  • The framework will be finalized by the end of the third quarter of 2025, with implementation to take off in early 2026.

Statistics:

  • By 2026, telecom licensees are expected to implement the cybersecurity framework developed by the NCC.
  • The framework aims to secure digital infrastructure and enhance online safety for consumers in the communications industry.
  • The NCC's Executive Commissioner, Abraham Oshadami, emphasized that the framework must address the real risk to human safety when a system is attacked or compromised.

Sources:

  • "NCC holds stakeholders meeting on cybersecurity framework" ( publication not specified, exact date not provided)
  • "World Bank" (source not specified, exact date not provided)