As Nigeria’s digital economy expands at record pace, so too does the sophistication of cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure.
Recognizing this urgent reality, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is advancing a national cybersecurity framework designed to protect telecom infrastructure, secure digital platforms, and enhance online safety for millions of consumers.
The proposed framework, expected to be implemented by telecom licensees in 2026, is positioned as a strategic shield against evolving cyber risks, from state-sponsored attacks to disruptions in operational technology (OT) systems.
Building a Secure Digital Economy for Nigeria
Since the inaugural stakeholders’ meeting earlier in 2025, NCC has been refining the framework through industry-wide consultations.
On Wednesday in Abuja, the Commission hosted the second phase of discussions, bringing together telecom operators, government agencies, and cybersecurity experts.
Speaking at the forum, Abraham Oshadami, NCC’s executive commissioner, Technical Services (ECTS), highlighted why a more resilient approach is needed:
“With the increasing digitalization of services, rapid data exchange, and sophisticated nature of modern cyber threats, the need for a robust, adaptive, and inclusive cybersecurity framework has never been more urgent.”
He explained that the traditional cybersecurity model of confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) is no longer sufficient in a world where geopolitical tensions and coordinated cyberattacks threaten not only systems but also human safety.
Why Nigeria’s Telecoms Sector is a Prime Target
As the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, the telecoms sector powers everything from banking and fintech to e-commerce and entertainment. However, this critical role makes it a prime target for cybercriminals and hostile actors.
“Both state and non-state actors are targeting essential sectors, including ours, through coordinated cyber and physical attacks,” Oshadami warned. “These attacks frequently target control systems and data integrity, endangering not just performance but also human lives when systems are compromised.
Framework Design and Next Steps
The meeting also featured a presentation by Dr. Kazeem Durodoye, CEO of CyberNover, NCC’s consulting partner on the project. He shared technical details of the evolving framework, which has been shaped by stakeholder contributions and designed with resilience, adaptability, and inclusivity in mind.
Babagana Digima, NCC’s Head of Cybersecurity and Internet Governance, confirmed that the initiative enjoys the support of the World Bank, noting that the final framework is expected by Q3 2025, with implementation beginning in early 2026.
Shared Responsibility for Cyber Resilience
The NCC emphasized that sustainable cybersecurity cannot be achieved in isolation. Instead, it requires a shared responsibility model, where regulators, operators, government, and private players co-create solutions.
“As the national regulator, we are committed to an inclusive and consultative process,” Oshadami assured stakeholders. “With your continued expertise and collaboration, we can co-create a framework that not only secures our digital infrastructure but also fosters innovation, competitiveness, and long-term industry growth.”
Towards a Digitally Secure Nigeria
The Abuja forum provided a platform for stakeholders to consolidate understanding of the framework’s strategic importance, refine its components, and align on sector-specific concerns.
As cyberthreats evolve, the NCC’s cybersecurity framework is set to play a central role in fortifying Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure, strengthening national resilience, and ensuring a safer digital ecosystem for citizens and businesses alike.
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