NCC launches internet governance working group to strengthen online safety, AI accountability

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address emerging internet governance challenges, including artificial intelligence (AI), online fraud, privacy concerns and the protection of vulnerable internet users.

The call was made on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in Lagos, at the inaugural NCC Internet Governance Symposium, where the Commission emphasised the need to translate discussions on internet governance into practical actions that benefit Nigerians.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, who delivered the opening address on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aminu Maida, said decisions about the internet extend beyond technology and connectivity.

“They affect opportunity, trust, security and the rights of the people who use it,” he said, stressing the importance of Nigeria’s active participation in internet governance discussions.

He noted that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence was changing how people learn, work, communicate and access services, while creating new concerns around harmful content, fraud, privacy, accountability and child protection. According to him, these challenges require cooperation across the communications sector and beyond, as no single institution can address them effectively in isolation.

The Executive Commissioner highlighted the NCC’s Internet Code of Practice (ICOP) 2026 as a framework for promoting a safer and more responsible online environment. He explained 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 seeks to strengthen the security and resilience of the infrastructure supporting digital services. He said both initiatives reflected a fundamental responsibility to ensure that Nigerians could use the internet with greater confidence.

A key highlight of the symposium was the formal launch of the Internet Governance Working Group, established to provide a continuing platform for stakeholder engagement beyond the event. The platform is expected to strengthen dialogue, identify practical priorities and encourage coordinated action on issues affecting Nigeria’s digital environment.

Oshadami urged participants to make their contributions candidly and constructively, encouraging them to leave the symposium with a clearer understanding of their respective responsibilities and a shared commitment to action. He expressed the Commission’s appreciation to participants and declared the inaugural NCC Internet Governance Symposium 2026 open, with a call for sustained cooperation towards a safer, more secure and responsible digital future for Nigeria.