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NCC to Roll Out Comprehensive Cybersecurity Framework for Telecom Sector by 2026
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced plans to implement a comprehensive cybersecurity framework designed to safeguard the country’s telecommunications infrastructure and enhance consumer protection in the digital space.
The framework, which will come into force in 2026, is expected to address the mounting cyber risks associated with emerging technologies and the rapid expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The initiative was the focus of the Commission’s second stakeholder meeting, held in Abuja on Friday, following an earlier consultation with telecom operators and technology experts earlier this year.
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In a statement, NCC’s Head of Public Affairs, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, explained that the consultations are intended to refine the draft framework, validate its design principles, and build consensus on the best strategies for its implementation.
Speaking at the forum, NCC’s Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, warned that cyber threats facing the telecom industry have evolved significantly.
“Both state and non-state actors are targeting essential sectors—including ours—through coordinated cyber and physical attacks. These attacks frequently disrupt control systems and compromise data integrity, posing critical risks to operational technology (OT), especially in telecommunications,” Oshadami cautioned.
He noted that cyber risks are no longer limited to the traditional pillars of confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) but now extend to human safety, amplifying the consequences of disruptions to vital communications networks.
According to Oshadami, the telecommunications sector remains the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, powering financial services, governance, health, education, and commerce. “This makes it both a strategic national asset and a prime target for cybercriminals,” he said.
The Commission stressed that sustainable cybersecurity can only be achieved through public-private collaboration and shared responsibility.
“With your continued expertise, insight, and collaboration, we are confident that we can co-create a framework that not only secures our digital infrastructure but also fosters innovation, competitiveness, and long-term industry growth,” Oshadami told participants.
At the event, consultants from CyberNover, led by CEO Dr Kazeem Durodoye, presented the draft framework to industry players.
NCC’s Head of Cybersecurity and Internet Governance, Babagana Digima, disclosed that the project is being supported by the World Bank. He confirmed that the framework will be finalised by the third quarter of 2025, with roll-out beginning in early 2026.
Digima commended stakeholders for their active input, stressing that the framework will be tailored to Nigeria’s unique cybersecurity challenges while aligning with global best practices.
The cybersecurity initiative was first announced in June by NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, who said it will establish minimum cybersecurity standards for telecom operators.
These standards will cover:
- Incident reporting and response protocols
- Risk management guidelines
- Information-sharing mechanisms
- Collaboration requirements with regulatory agencies
The framework will also be anchored in existing laws such as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2015 and the Nigerian Data Protection Act of 2023, both of which mandate stronger cybersecurity measures in critical sectors like telecommunications.
With Nigeria’s telecom industry serving more than 220 million active subscribers, the NCC said the framework is crucial to protecting critical infrastructure, maintaining consumer trust, and ensuring the resilience of services that underpin the nation’s digital economy.
The Abuja forum brought together government agencies, telecom operators, cybersecurity firms, and other stakeholders to align on strategies that will strengthen national cybersecurity preparedness and bolster sector resilience against evolving threats.
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