….Commission urges stakeholders to strengthen internet safety, privacy protection, child security
Daud Olatunji
The Nigerian Communications Commission has launched an Internet Governance Working Group to strengthen online safety, tackle emerging digital threats and promote accountability in the use of artificial intelligence.
The initiative was unveiled at the inaugural NCC Internet Governance Symposium 2026, held in Lagos on Thursday, as the commission called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address challenges confronting Nigeria’s digital space.
The challenges include online fraud, privacy violations, harmful digital content, artificial intelligence-related risks and the protection of vulnerable internet users, particularly children.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, NCC, Abraham Oshadami, said internet governance had become increasingly important as digital technologies continued to influence communication, education, employment and access to essential services.
Oshadami, who delivered the opening address on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Dr Aminu Maida, said decisions concerning the internet went beyond technology and connectivity.
“They affect opportunity, trust, security and the rights of the people who use it,” he said.
He stressed the need for Nigeria to play an active role in internet governance discussions, noting that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence had created new opportunities alongside concerns about accountability, privacy, cybercrime and online safety.
According to him, the scale and complexity of these challenges require coordinated efforts across the telecommunications industry and other relevant sectors.
Oshadami warned against relying on individual institutions to address the challenges in isolation, emphasising the need for sustained engagement among regulators, operators, technical experts and other stakeholders.
A major highlight of the symposium was the formal launch of the Internet Governance Working Group, designed to provide a permanent platform for dialogue and cooperation beyond the annual event.
The group is expected to identify priority issues, strengthen stakeholder engagement and promote coordinated responses to emerging challenges in Nigeria’s digital environment.
The commission said the initiative was intended to move discussions on internet governance beyond policy conversations to practical measures capable of improving the online experience of Nigerians.
The working group is also expected to provide a forum for stakeholders to clarify their responsibilities and develop common approaches to promoting a safer, more secure and responsible digital environment.
The executive commissioner also highlighted the NCC’s Internet Code of Practice 2026 as a key framework for promoting responsible online conduct and protecting internet users.
He said the effectiveness of the code would depend on clear expectations, meaningful engagement with stakeholders and consistent implementation.
Oshadami further drew attention to the Cyber Resilience Framework for the Nigeria Communication Sector, which is aimed at strengthening the security and resilience of infrastructure supporting digital services across the country.
He said both initiatives reflected the commission’s responsibility to ensure that Nigerians could access and use digital services with greater confidence.
The commission maintained that effective internet governance was essential to building public trust, protecting users and securing the infrastructure underpinning Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Oshadami urged participants to contribute frankly and constructively to discussions at the symposium, calling on them to leave with a clearer understanding of their respective responsibilities and a shared commitment to implementing agreed priorities.
He expressed the commission’s appreciation to participants and declared the inaugural NCC Internet Governance Symposium 2026 open, urging sustained cooperation towards a safer and more secure digital future for Nigeria.
The symposium, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, on October 15, brought together representatives of telecommunications and internet governance organisations.
Those in attendance included Dewole Ajao, board member of the African Network Information Centre; Seyi Onasanya, chief operating officer of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association; Mary Uduma, coordinator of the West Africa Internet Governance Forum; Tony Emoekpere, president of the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria; and Atinuke Ibrahim, representing the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria.
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