The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to unveil a comprehensive cybersecurity framework next year designed to protect the nation’s telecom networks and strengthen digital safety for consumers.
The plan, backed by the World Bank, aims to fortify Nigeria’s digital economy against rising cyber threats.
Amid growing concerns over sophisticated cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructures, the NCC has intensified efforts to develop a detailed security blueprint for the telecom industry. This project emerged from collaborative discussions with industry leaders at a recent stakeholder workshop in Abuja, marking the second of such engagements in 2025.
NCC’s Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, stressed the urgency of this endeavor, noting the evolving landscape of cyber risks that now extend far beyond data breaches to threaten human safety. He emphasized the critical role the telecom sector plays as the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, which makes it a strategic asset and a lucrative target for malicious actors.
In his address, Oshadami explained that both governmental and non-governmental entities are increasingly coordinating attacks on essential systems, which places operational technologies at serious risk. The framework therefore aims to bolster the resilience of digital infrastructure through adaptive, inclusive safeguards that reflect the latest technological advancements.
The NCC emphasized that the development of the cybersecurity plan has been highly consultative, incorporating feedback from telecom operators, government agencies, and cybersecurity experts. Dr. Kazeem Durodoye, CEO of CyberNover, the consultancy assisting the NCC, presented the refined draft, showcasing a multifaceted strategy that includes risk management, incident reporting, and cooperation with regulatory bodies.
Babagana Digima, Head of Cybersecurity and Internet Governance at NCC, acknowledged the World Bank’s support and encouraged ongoing collaboration to ensure the final blueprint meets the needs of all stakeholders. According to Digima, formal adoption of the plan is anticipated in the third quarter of 2025, with rollout starting early next year.
This comprehensive approach seeks to unify the industry under a national standard, requiring consistent audits, data protection protocols, and incident response mechanisms. It aligns with existing legislation such as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2015 and the Nigerian Data Protection Act of 2023, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to securing its digital future.
This cooperative effort between regulators, industry players, and international partners shows a proactive commitment to protecting the country’s digital backbone while fostering trust and innovation within the sector, as cyber threats become increasingly complex.
