NCC Unveils Cybersecurity Framework to Safeguard Nigeria’s Digital Economy

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced plans to introduce a comprehensive cybersecurity framework aimed at securing digital infrastructure and enhancing online safety within the nation’s communications sector.

The framework, which is expected to be implemented by telecom licensees in early 2026, seeks to address growing security challenges posed by emerging technologies while bolstering Nigeria’s digital economy.

Speaking at the second stakeholders’ workshop on the project in Abuja on Wednesday, NCC’s Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, underscored the urgency of strengthening the country’s cybersecurity posture in the face of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

“With the rapid digitalisation of services, the exponential growth of data exchange, and the rising complexity of cyberattacks, the need for a robust, adaptive, and inclusive cybersecurity framework has never been more critical,” Oshadami said.

He noted that threats are no longer confined to data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Instead, they now extend to national security and human safety, with coordinated cyber and physical attacks targeting essential sectors and critical infrastructure.

“Both state and non-state actors are focusing on control systems and data integrity. This presents serious risks to operational technology in our sector, with implications not only for system performance but also for human lives,” he warned.

Oshadami added that as the telecommunications industry serves as the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, its strategic role in national development makes it a prime target for cybercriminals.

The meeting, which follows an initial engagement earlier this year, provided stakeholders with updates on the refined draft of the framework. The discussions focused on validating its key components, design principles, and implementation strategies.

Dr. Kazeem Durodoye, Chief Executive Officer of CyberNover—the consulting firm working with the Commission—delivered a presentation detailing the proposed framework. The session was attended by representatives of telecom operators, relevant government agencies, and other stakeholders in the digital economy ecosystem.

Also speaking at the forum, NCC’s Head of Cybersecurity and Internet Governance, Babagana Digima, confirmed that the World Bank is supporting the initiative. He revealed that the final version of the framework is expected by the end of the third quarter of 2025, ahead of its rollout in 2026.

He commended participants for their contributions, noting that strong collaboration between public and private stakeholders remains vital to building a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem.

The consultative forum served as a platform to strengthen national preparedness against cyber threats, refine technical inputs, and consolidate shared understanding on protecting Nigeria’s communications infrastructure.