NCC to begin implementation of digital cyber security framework Sept
Orisemeke Benjamin
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it is developing a comprehensive digital cybersecurity framework, with a target implementation date of September 2025.
The Executive Vice Chairman NCC, Dr Aminu Maida who disclosed this in Lagos during media interaction said this framework set to strengthen the nation’s digital resilience and safeguard its rapidly expanding digital economy.
The framework according to him would as well address emerging technologies like 6G, AI, and quantum cryptography, and emphasize proactive measures like layered security and multi-factor authentication.
Other objective of the framework’ include: strengthening sector-wide capacity, protecting sensitive data, safeguarding consumer data and national digital assets, promoting synergy, incorporating intelligence driven security among others.
Maida, however said that the Commission plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Ministry of Works to better coordinate road construction and prevent accidental damage to telecom infrastructure.
He said the commission would also engage the state ministry of works for similar purpose, noting that the new digital platform will facilitate communication between ministries and operators regarding planned works and potential service disruptions.
The NCC noted that it has introduced stricter site security standards, launched a public awareness campaign, and is preparing to establish a rapid response force in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Maida stated that the current reform in the Telecom sector has continue to yield positive result in the industry, noting that for almost 10 years, mobile operators operated under a form of price control that prevented them from adjusting minimum tariffs despite rising inflation, currency depreciation and higher input costs while other telecom segments, such as wholesale fibre providers, continued to adjust prices freely, leading to an uneven playing field.
This scenario, according to him limited growth to reinvested earnings, with no room for expansion, but the recent reforms have restored investor confidence among both local and foreign stakeholders.
The Commission also highlighted nine ways Nigerians can manage their data to avoid quick depletion amidst subscribers’ allegations that the service providers were siphoning their data.
While the Commission and telecom operators have repeatedly debunked the subscribers’ claim about data depletion, NCC noted that rapid advancements in technology have led to new features on smartphones that many consumers may not fully understand.
This knowledge gap, according to the Commission, often results in unintentionally high data consumption, which can frustrate users and erode trust.
The commission in its “Smart Data Management Tips” listed actions that can help Nigerian’s control data usage on their phones
According to the tips Nigerians expected to regularly check data usage, using built-in trackers or third-party apps, connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible to conserve cellular data, disable automatic updates for apps and software; update manually when on Wi-Fi, limit background data usage for specific apps, download media and content while on Wi-Fi for offline use.
Other tips include data caching which is storing frequently accessed data locally (offline) to reduce the need for repeated downloads.
Disable Location Services, always go to settings and turn on the data-saving mode on your phone to reduce consumption and transfer unused data to the next billing cycle or month.
