NCC launches Internet Governance Working Group to tackle AI risks, boost online safety

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has inaugurated an Internet Governance Working Group to strengthen online safety, address emerging artificial intelligence (AI) risks and improve collaboration among stakeholders in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

The working group was inaugurated at the NCC Internet Governance Symposium 2026, held on Thursday, October 15, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The initiative is expected to provide a continuous platform for stakeholders to discuss internet governance challenges, identify priorities and coordinate actions towards creating a safer, more accountable and responsible digital environment.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, Abraham Oshadami, who represented the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aminu Maida, said internet governance extended beyond technology and connectivity.

Oshadami explained that decisions concerning the internet had far-reaching implications for economic opportunities, public trust, security and users’ rights.

He stressed the need for Nigeria to participate actively in discussions shaping the global digital landscape, particularly as emerging technologies continue to transform communication and service delivery.

According to him, the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is changing how Nigerians learn, work, communicate and access services, while creating new challenges relating to harmful content, online fraud, privacy violations, accountability and child protection.

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He said tackling these risks required cooperation across the telecommunications industry and other sectors, noting that no single institution could effectively address the challenges in isolation.

The NCC official highlighted the commission’s Internet Code of Practice (ICOP) 2026 as a framework for promoting a safer and more responsible online environment.

However, he noted that the effectiveness of the code would depend on clearly defined expectations, meaningful stakeholder engagement and consistent implementation.

Oshadami also identified the Cyber Resilience Framework for the Nigeria Communication Sector (CRF-NCS) as another initiative aimed at strengthening the security and resilience of infrastructure supporting digital services.

He said both frameworks demonstrated the responsibility of relevant institutions to ensure that Nigerians could access and use the internet with greater confidence.

The executive commissioner urged participants to engage in candid and constructive discussions, develop a clearer understanding of their respective responsibilities and identify practical approaches to resolving internet governance challenges.

He called for sustained collaboration to translate discussions into actionable measures capable of improving online safety and strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

The symposium attracted representatives of organisations involved in internet governance and telecommunications, including the African Network Information Centre, Nigeria Internet Registration Association, West Africa Internet Governance Forum, Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria and Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria.

The NCC said the establishment of the working group would sustain engagement beyond the symposium and encourage coordinated action on issues affecting Nigeria’s digital environment.

The initiative forms part of the commission’s broader efforts to promote a secure, accountable and inclusive internet as artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies reshape the digital landscape.

The statement announcing the development was signed by the NCC Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, and dated October 16, 2026.