By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched an Internet Governance Working Group to strengthen stakeholder collaboration and address emerging challenges in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, including artificial intelligence (AI), online fraud, data privacy and the protection of vulnerable internet users.
The initiative was unveiled on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the inaugural NCC Internet Governance Symposium in Lagos, where the Commission called for sustained engagement among relevant stakeholders to translate internet governance discussions into practical actions that promote a safer, more secure and responsible digital environment.
According to an official statement signed by Nnenna Ukoha, Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, made the call while delivering the opening address on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr Aminu Maida.
Oshadami stressed that internet governance had implications beyond technology and connectivity, noting that decisions in the digital space directly affect opportunities, public trust, security and the rights of internet users.
“They affect opportunity, trust, security and the rights of the people who use it,” he said, emphasising the need for Nigeria to participate actively in internet governance discussions and contribute to shaping policies that affect its digital future.
He observed that the rapid development of artificial intelligence was transforming how people learn, work, communicate and access services, while creating new challenges relating to harmful content, online fraud, privacy violations, accountability and child protection.
According to him, the growing complexity of these challenges makes collaboration across the communications sector and other relevant institutions imperative, as no single organisation can effectively address them independently.
The Executive Commissioner highlighted the NCC’s Internet Code of Practice (ICOP) 2026 as a framework for promoting responsible online conduct and improving the safety of internet users. He noted, however, that its effectiveness would depend on clear expectations, meaningful stakeholder engagement and consistent implementation.
He also 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.
Oshadami said the initiatives reflected the Commission’s responsibility to ensure that Nigerians could use the internet and access digital services with greater confidence, while encouraging stakeholders to work collectively towards addressing threats in the evolving digital environment.
A major highlight of the symposium was the formal launch of the Internet Governance Working Group, which will provide a continuing platform for stakeholder engagement beyond the event.
The platform is expected to strengthen dialogue among relevant actors, identify priority areas requiring attention and promote coordinated action on issues affecting Nigeria’s digital landscape.
Oshadami urged participants to engage candidly and constructively, stressing the importance of translating discussions into concrete outcomes. He encouraged stakeholders to leave the symposium with a clearer understanding of their respective responsibilities and a shared commitment to advancing internet governance in Nigeria.
He expressed appreciation to participants and formally declared the inaugural NCC Internet Governance Symposium 2026 open, calling for sustained cooperation to build a safer, more secure and responsible digital future for the country.
