NCC, Judiciary Strengthen Digital Safety and Telecom Infrastructure Protection in Nigeria
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) have stepped up efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital safety framework and protect critical telecommunications infrastructure amid rising cyber threats and rapid digital expansion.
The partnership was highlighted at the 2026 Workshop for Justices and Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications held in Lagos, where judicial officers, regulators, and security experts gathered to examine the legal challenges shaping Nigeria’s growing digital economy. The event focused on how the judiciary can better support enforcement and regulation in the digital space.
Speaking at the workshop, NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, said Nigeria’s digital transformation is unlocking major economic opportunities but also increasing exposure to cybercrime, infrastructure attacks, and online abuse. He noted that internet usage continues to surge, with Nigerians consuming over 1.42 million terabytes of data in March 2026 alone, compared to 995,000 terabytes the previous year.
Maida also revealed that broadband penetration has risen to 54.3 percent, driven by expanding digital services such as fintech, e-commerce, and online learning. He added that telecom operators invested over $1 billion in network expansion in 2025 to improve coverage and service reliability across the country.
Despite this growth, he warned that threats such as vandalism of telecom infrastructure, identity theft, misinformation, and cyber fraud remain major challenges. He explained that telecom assets have now been classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), underscoring their importance to national security and economic stability.
He further disclosed ongoing NCC initiatives, including the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) and a partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria to combat electronic fraud. He stressed the need for stronger legal frameworks and judicial involvement to address emerging issues such as online safety, data privacy, and digital crimes.
In his remarks, NJI Administrator Justice B.A. Adejumo emphasized the judiciary’s critical role in balancing digital rights, privacy, and security. He noted that as technology evolves, courts must interpret laws that govern issues like misinformation, internet regulation, and digital platform disputes.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that stronger collaboration between regulators and the judiciary is essential as Nigeria continues to expand its digital economy while facing rising cybersecurity threats and complex legal challenges tied to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and IoT systems.
source: The sun