The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has launched an Internet Governance Working Group to coordinate efforts to tackle online fraud, data privacy breaches, artificial intelligence risks and other emerging challenges in Nigeria’s digital space.
The initiative was unveiled on Thursday, 15th of October 2026, at the inaugural NCC Internet Governance Symposium in Lagos, where the Commission called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to promote a safer and more responsible internet environment.
NCC Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, made the call while delivering the opening address on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aminu Haida.
In an official statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, Oshadami said internet governance extended beyond technology and connectivity, with decisions in the digital space affecting economic opportunities, public trust, security and users’ rights.
“They affect opportunity, trust, security and the rights of the people who use it,” he said, stressing the need for Nigeria to participate actively in global internet governance discussions and help shape policies affecting its digital future.
Oshadami noted that the rapid development of artificial intelligence was changing how people learned, worked, communicated and accessed services, while raising concerns about harmful content, online fraud, privacy violations, accountability and child protection.
He said the growing complexity of these challenges required collaboration across the communications sector and other relevant institutions, adding that no single organization could address them effectively in isolation.
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The commissioner identified the NCC’s Internet Code of Practice 2026 as a framework for encouraging responsible online conduct and improving user safety. He said its effectiveness would depend on clear expectations, meaningful stakeholder engagement and consistent implementation.
He also highlighted the Cyber Resilience Framework for the Nigeria Communication Sector, designed to strengthen the security and resilience of infrastructure supporting digital services.
Oshadami said the initiatives reflected the Commission’s responsibility to help Nigerians use the internet and access digital services with greater confidence.
He explained that the newly launched Internet Governance Working Group would provide a continuing platform for stakeholder engagement beyond the symposium.
The group is expected to strengthen dialogue among stakeholders, identify priority issues and coordinate responses to challenges affecting Nigeria’s digital environment.
Oshadami urged participants to engage constructively and ensure their discussions produced practical outcomes. He also called on stakeholders to clarify their respective responsibilities and commit to advancing internet governance in Nigeria.
He thanked participants and formally declared the inaugural NCC Internet Governance Symposium 2026 open, urging sustained cooperation to build a safer and more secure digital environment.
Newspageonline
