L- R: Mr. Dewole Ajao, Board Member, African Network Information Centre; Mrs. Seyi Onasanya, Chief Operating Officer, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA); Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC); Mrs. Mary Uduma, Coordinator, West Africa Internet Governance Forum; Mr. Tony Emoekpere, President Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON); Ms. Atinuke Ibrahim, Representing Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, (ALTON), during the NCC Internet Governance Symposium 2026, at Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos October 15th 2026.
Susan Abayomi
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched an Internet Governance Working Group to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and address emerging digital challenges, including artificial intelligence (AI), online fraud, privacy concerns and the protection of internet users.
The initiative was unveiled on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during the inaugural NCC Internet Governance Symposium in Lagos, where the Commission called for practical measures to promote a safer, more secure and responsible digital environment in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, who delivered the opening address on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aminu Maida, emphasised that internet governance extends beyond technology and connectivity.
According to him, decisions concerning the internet have far-reaching implications for opportunities, public trust, security and the rights of users, making Nigeria’s active participation in internet governance discussions increasingly important.
Oshadami noted that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence was transforming how people learn, work, communicate and access services. However, he warned that these developments had also raised concerns about harmful content, online fraud, data privacy, accountability and child protection.
He stressed that addressing these challenges required cooperation across the communications sector and other relevant institutions, noting that no single organisation could effectively tackle them in isolation.
The NCC official also highlighted the Commission’s Internet Code of Practice (ICOP) 2026 as a framework for promoting responsible online conduct and improving internet safety. He explained that the success of the initiative would depend on clear expectations, meaningful stakeholder engagement and consistent implementation.
He further drew attention to the Cyber Resilience Framework for the Nigeria Communication Sector (CRF-NCS), which is designed to strengthen the security and resilience of infrastructure supporting digital services.
According to him, both initiatives reflect the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians can access and use digital services with greater confidence and security.
A major highlight of the symposium was the formal inauguration of the Internet Governance Working Group, which will serve as a continuing platform for engagement among stakeholders beyond the event.
The group is expected to facilitate dialogue, identify practical priorities and promote coordinated action on issues affecting Nigeria’s digital landscape.
Oshadami urged participants to contribute openly and constructively to discussions, encouraging them to leave the symposium with a clearer understanding of their respective responsibilities and a shared commitment to implementing practical solutions.
He expressed the Commission’s appreciation to participants and formally declared the inaugural NCC Internet Governance Symposium 2026 open, reiterating the importance of sustained collaboration in building a safer, more secure and responsible digital future for Nigeria.
