In a strategic move to fortify Nigeria’s telecommunications sector against the rising tide of cyber threats, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the development of a comprehensive cybersecurity framework aimed at protecting critical infrastructure, consumer data, and the national digital economy.
The initiative was revealed on Wednesday during a Cybersecurity Framework Development Regulatory Meeting held in Lagos. The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, outlined the commission’s vision for a safer and more resilient telecom industry.
Highlighting the sector’s exponential growth, Dr. Maida noted that Nigeria’s telecom industry has expanded from fewer than 500,000 active lines in 2001 to over 172 million active subscribers and 141 million internet users today. While this growth has contributed significantly to the country’s economic development and digital inclusion, it has also made the sector a major target for cybercriminals.
“Government infrastructure, particularly within telecommunications, is increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats,” Maida warned. “This necessitates urgent and strategic action to enhance the sector’s cybersecurity resilience.”
To address these challenges, the NCC is spearheading the development of a national cybersecurity framework with clear and far-reaching objectives.
He cited a UN Economic Commission for Africa report suggesting that a 10% improvement in cybersecurity maturity could significantly boost per capita GDP across the continent, underscoring the economic benefits of the initiative.
The framework will also be anchored in existing legislation, including the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2015 and the Nigerian Data Protection Act of 2023, which mandate enhanced cybersecurity measures for critical sectors like telecommunications.
Abraham Oshadami emphasized that the regulatory meeting was convened to involve key industry players in the policymaking process. “Cybersecurity is no longer optional but a mandatory requirement for telecom operators,” he stressed, assuring that stakeholder input will be reflected in the final framework.
Dr. Kazeem Durodoye, CEO of Cybernovr, added that the framework must consider evolving mobile technologies such as Open RAN and network virtualization, which have altered the risk landscape for legacy and next-generation networks.
He also highlighted the influence of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning on the future of cyber threats. The framework, he said, will categorize operators into tiers to ensure risk-appropriate regulatory oversight.
Babagana Digima, Chairman of the Committee on the Development of the Cybersecurity Framework, emphasized the importance of first conducting a baseline assessment of the sector’s current cybersecurity posture. This, he explained, would guide the implementation of effective safeguards.
Digima reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to collaborative development, assuring stakeholders that the framework will soon be circulated for industry review.
“We are dedicated to creating a secure, reliable, and resilient digital ecosystem that supports Nigeria’s telecom future,” he concluded.
With the cybersecurity threat landscape continuously evolving, the NCC’s initiative marks a significant step toward securing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, while reinforcing public trust and enhancing investor confidence in the country’s growing telecommunications sector.
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