The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced the development of a cybersecurity framework aimed at reinforcing the safety and integrity of Nigeria’s communications sector, in light of growing digital threats and vulnerabilities.
At a strategic meeting focused on cybersecurity framework development, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, revealed that the Commission is working towards an industry-wide framework that prioritizes resilience, infrastructure protection, and consumer data security.
Dr. Maida described the communications sector as the backbone of Nigeria’s national development and a vital driver of economic transformation. He warned that without adequate safeguards, the nation’s dependence on digital infrastructure and data access could be exploited by cybercriminals and hostile actors.
“Our digital environment is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and so are the threats that accompany it. Cyberattacks, phishing scams, and internal breaches are becoming more sophisticated by the day,” he said.
“Given that communications infrastructure is at the heart of our Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), we must be proactive in building strong defense systems.”
The new framework will serve as a strategic blueprint for the sector, ensuring alignment with Nigeria’s national cybersecurity strategies while offering a cohesive model that consolidates best practices, tools, and threat response mechanisms.
Dr. Maida stated that the initiative seeks to foster collaboration across industry players, regulators, and security stakeholders to create a secure digital environment. He emphasized that protecting the nation’s digital economy requires a collective commitment to cybersecurity excellence.
Chairman of the framework development committee, Babagana Digima, added that the goal is to produce a robust and unified framework that responds to Nigeria’s specific needs. He highlighted the importance of establishing a formal reference point for guiding cybersecurity practices within the sector.
The framework is currently in its formative phase, with further consultations and interactive sessions planned. These engagements will allow stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the framework’s structure, ensuring it remains relevant, adaptive, and implementation-ready.
The NCC reaffirmed its commitment to steering the sector towards resilience, innovation, and global cybersecurity standards, positioning Nigeria to better defend its digital infrastructure in an increasingly connected world.
