NCC advances cybersecurity framework to safeguard Nigeria’s digital infrastructure

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has intensified efforts to establish a comprehensive cybersecurity framework aimed at securing the country’s digital infrastructure and enhancing online safety for telecom consumers.

The framework, which is expected to be implemented by telecom licensees in 2026, seeks to address the evolving cyber risks posed by emerging technologies and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy resilience.

The initiative took center stage on Wednesday in Abuja at the second phase of stakeholder consultations organized by the Commission, following an initial meeting held earlier this year.

Speaking at the event, the NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Technical Services (ECTS), Abraham Oshadami, underscored the urgent need for a “water-tight” cybersecurity strategy in view of the growing sophistication of cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure.

“With the increasing digitalization of services, rapid growth in data exchange, and the advanced nature of modern cyberattacks, the demand for a robust, adaptive, and inclusive cybersecurity framework has never been more urgent,” Oshadami said.

He stressed that cybersecurity considerations have now gone beyond the traditional pillars of confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA). According to him, intensified geopolitical tensions and sophisticated threat actors—both state and non-state—pose significant risks to essential sectors, including telecommunications.

“Attacks today do not only target systems and data; they threaten human safety. A compromise of critical communications infrastructure can result in real risks to people’s lives. As such, cybersecurity must now address human safety in addition to digital integrity,” he warned.

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Oshadami further emphasized that Nigeria’s telecommunications sector remains a strategic national asset and the backbone of the digital economy, making it a prime target for coordinated cyber and physical attacks. He said the stakeholders’ forum was designed to present the refined framework, integrate feedback from the initial consultation, and validate design principles and implementation strategies.

In his remarks, Dr. Kazeem Durodoye, Chief Executive Officer of CyberNover and lead consultant to the Commission on the project, presented detailed insights into the proposed cybersecurity framework. His presentation highlighted strategies for resilience, sector-specific risks, and the practical steps toward deployment.

Also speaking, the NCC’s Head of Cybersecurity and Internet Governance, Babagana Digima, disclosed that the project enjoys technical and financial backing from the World Bank. He commended stakeholders for their contributions and confirmed that the framework is expected to be finalized by the third quarter of 2025, with full-scale implementation scheduled for early 2026.

The forum provided an avenue for telecom operators, regulators, and government agencies in the digital economy ecosystem to consolidate their shared understanding of the framework’s strategic importance, as well as refine preliminary inputs gathered during earlier engagements.

Oshadami reiterated that the NCC is committed to an inclusive and consultative process that leverages public-private partnerships to achieve sustainable cybersecurity outcomes.

“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.