The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is stepping up efforts to strengthen online security, improve digital infrastructure resilience and address emerging risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI).
The initiative was highlighted at an Internet Governance Symposium in Lagos, which brought together government officials, industry players, technical experts, academics and civil society groups to discuss Nigeria’s role in shaping the future of the internet.
Speaking at the hybrid symposium on Thursday, October 15, the NCC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aminu Maida, said internet governance decisions have far-reaching implications for economic opportunities, public trust, security and users’ rights.
Maida, who was represented by the Commission’s Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, said Nigeria’s communications sector must contribute its experience to global internet governance discussions and translate their outcomes into practical domestic action.
He noted that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence was creating new challenges involving harmful content, online fraud, privacy, accountability and the protection of children and other vulnerable users.
“These questions cannot be answered by one institution alone. They require informed dialogue and cooperation across the communications sector and beyond,” Maida said.
He added that the symposium’s session on AI governance would deepen discussions on how stakeholders could respond effectively to emerging digital threats.
Maida identified the Internet Code of Practice (ICOP) 2026 as a framework for promoting a safer and more responsible online environment.
He said its effectiveness would depend on clear expectations, meaningful engagement with affected stakeholders and consistent implementation.
The NCC chief also highlighted the Cyber Resilience Framework for the Nigeria Communications Sector (CRF-NCS), which aims to strengthen the security and resilience of infrastructure supporting digital services.
According to him, the two initiatives reflect the need to ensure that Nigerians can use internet services with greater confidence.
He described the symposium as an opportunity for stakeholders to identify practical priorities, exchange ideas and strengthen the communications sector’s contribution to internet governance.
A major highlight of the event was the formal launch of the Internet Governance Working Group (IGWG), designed to provide a platform for sustained stakeholder engagement beyond the symposium.
The working group is expected to give participants a structured channel to contribute to internet governance discussions, identify shared priorities and follow up on agreed actions.
Maida urged participants to engage openly and constructively, emphasising the need to clarify responsibilities and ensure that discussions translate into tangible outcomes.
Internet governance covers issues affecting businesses, consumers and the digital services people rely on daily, including domain name security, online safety, data privacy and the expanding use of artificial intelligence.
The symposium also emphasised the importance of stronger private-sector participation in internet governance. Discussions examined barriers preventing organisations from participating, lessons from other regulated industries and ways to make engagement more consistent and meaningful.
By connecting global internet governance debates with Nigeria’s domestic priorities, the NCC aims to encourage stronger collaboration among stakeholders and promote practical measures to improve online safety and digital resilience.