NCC chief highlights trust as key to Nigeria’s digital transformation

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has said that trust remains the foundation of Nigeria’s efforts to build a secure, resilient and inclusive digital economy as mobile phone numbers increasingly become gateways to essential public and private services.

Maida made the remarks while speaking at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) 2026 Leaders’ TalkX on building a secure and trusted Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

According to him, mobile phone numbers have evolved beyond their traditional role as communication tools to become digital identities that enable millions of Nigerians to access banking, healthcare, education, government services, e-commerce and other critical digital platforms.

He said the growing dependence on mobile identities underscores the need to strengthen the integrity of telecommunications infrastructure and safeguard users against fraud and cyber threats.

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“Mobile phone numbers are now central to everyday life, serving as trusted gateways to a wide range of essential digital services. Protecting these identities and the infrastructure that supports them is fundamental to building confidence in the digital economy,” Maida said.

The NCC boss explained that Nigeria’s digital trust strategy is anchored on three key pillars: trusted identities, trusted networks and trusted markets.

As part of efforts to secure digital identities, Maida disclosed that the Commission has deployed the Telecom Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), a platform that enables authorised institutions to securely verify the identity associated with a mobile phone number.

He said the system is designed to improve accountability across digital services while helping to combat identity theft, financial fraud and other forms of cyber-enabled crime.

On network security, Maida highlighted the implementation of the Communications Sector Cyber Resilience Framework, describing it as a critical initiative for strengthening the resilience of Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.

He added that the framework, together with the implementation of the Presidential Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), has enhanced collaboration among government agencies, telecommunications operators and other stakeholders to protect critical communications assets.

According to him, safeguarding digital infrastructure has become increasingly important as more public and private services migrate online.

Maida also stressed that public confidence in the digital economy depends not only on secure networks but also on a well-regulated telecommunications market that delivers quality services.

He noted that consumers must have access to reliable and affordable telecommunications services, efficient mechanisms for resolving complaints and strong regulatory protections, while investors require transparent, predictable and consistent policies to encourage long-term investment.

The NCC chief maintained that Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure can only achieve its full potential when citizens have confidence in their digital identities, communications networks remain secure and resilient, and the regulatory environment promotes innovation, investment and consumer protection.

He said strengthening these pillars would support Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda, improve access to digital services and position the country to harness emerging technologies for sustainable economic growth.

Maida reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working with government institutions, industry stakeholders and international partners to build a trusted digital ecosystem capable of supporting inclusive development and accelerating Nigeria’s transition to a digitally driven economy.