NCC Unveils New Cybersecurity Framework to Safeguard Nigeria’s Telecom Sector by 2026
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced plans to roll out a new cybersecurity framework aimed at strengthening protection across Nigeria’s telecom sector and digital infrastructure. The initiative, expected to be fully implemented in 2026, is designed to tackle rising cyber threats and secure consumer safety as the nation advances toward a digital economy.
Speaking at the second stakeholders’ engagement forum in Abuja, NCC’s Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, stressed that cyberattacks have become more sophisticated and now target not only data confidentiality and system availability but also national security and human safety. He noted that both state and non-state actors are exploiting vulnerabilities in legacy systems and interconnected devices, posing significant risks to telecom operators and users alike.
The cybersecurity framework, which is being developed in collaboration with the World Bank, is expected to be finalized by the third quarter of 2025 before its phased rollout in early 2026. According to the NCC, the framework will serve as a proactive defense against evolving threats, while promoting innovation, competitiveness, and resilience in the country’s telecom ecosystem.
Dr. Kazeem Durodoye, CEO of CyberNover and consultant on the project, presented the refined framework to stakeholders, which include telecom operators, regulators, and government agencies in the digital economy sector. The engagement provided updates on design principles, risk mitigation strategies, and implementation plans to ensure that the telecom industry remains a secure backbone of Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Reaffirming its commitment to collaboration, the NCC emphasized that building a secure telecom landscape requires joint responsibility from regulators, service providers, and the private sector. Oshadami concluded that with continued expertise and partnerships, Nigeria will deliver a cybersecurity framework that not only safeguards digital infrastructure but also positions the telecom sector for sustainable growth and long-term resilience.
Source: The sun