World Bank-backed NCC cybersecurity plan to secure internet users by 2026

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), with support from the World Bank, is set to launch a comprehensive cybersecurity framework by 2026 to protect internet users and fortify the nation’s telecommunications sector, a critical backbone of its digital economy.

Announced at the NCC’s second stakeholder meeting in Abuja on Friday, the initiative aims to address security challenges posed by emerging technologies and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy.

Babagana Digima, NCC’s head of cybersecurity and internet governance, confirmed that the framework will be finalised by the third quarter of 2025, with implementation beginning in early 2026.

Abraham Oshadami, NCC’s executive commissioner for technical services, emphasised the urgency of the framework, stating, “The increasing digitalisation of services, rapid data exchange, and sophisticated cyber threats require a robust, adaptive, and inclusive cybersecurity framework.”

Oshadami warned that cyber risks now threaten not only data confidentiality, integrity, and availability but also human safety, with state and non-state actors targeting critical sectors like telecoms through coordinated cyber and physical attacks.

Oshadami highlighted the telecom sector’s critical role as the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, driving national development, economic transformation, and social interaction. “As cyberthreats evolve, they endanger system performance and human safety, amplifying disruptions to vital communications infrastructure,” he said.

He stressed the importance of public-private partnerships, saying, “With your continued expertise, insight, and collaboration, we can co-create a framework that secures our digital infrastructure and fosters innovation, competitiveness, and long-term industry growth.”

The framework, presented by Dr. Kazeem Durodoye, CyberNover CEO, during the Abuja meeting, builds on consultations with industry stakeholders, following an initial engagement earlier this year.

Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, NCC’s head of public affairs, noted that the ongoing discussions aim to refine the framework, validate its principles, and agree on implementation strategies.

The initiative, first announced in June by Dr. Aminu Maida, NCC’s executive vice chairman, will establish minimum cybersecurity standards for telecom operators, including rules for incident reporting, risk management, information sharing, and collaboration with regulatory agencies. It aligns with existing laws like the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2015 and the Nigerian Data Protection Act of 2023.

Royal Ibeh

Royal Ibeh is a senior journalist with years of experience reporting on Nigeria’s technology and health sectors. She currently covers the Technology and Health beats for BusinessDay newspaper, where she writes in-depth stories on digital innovation, telecom infrastructure, healthcare systems, and public health policies.

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