By our Correspondent
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and other key stakeholders are actively collaborating to address rising cybersecurity threats to Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure and other malicious activities in cyberspace.
This was disclosed by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, during an interactive media session held in Abuja over the weekend.
According to Maida, the principal body responsible for coordinating national cybersecurity efforts is ONSA, acting through the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC). He described the NCCC as Nigeria’s national focal point for cybersecurity coordination, including cross-ministerial and inter-agency collaboration, threat monitoring, incident response, critical infrastructure protection, and the implementation of the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy.
He explained that NCC is specifically responsible for regulating cybersecurity and cyber-resilience within the communications and telecommunications sector. Similarly, other sector regulators oversee cybersecurity in their respective domains. For instance, the CBN sets cybersecurity requirements for banks and financial institutions.
“This approach encompasses not only reactive measures but also proactive strategies aimed at anticipating emerging threats,” Maida said. He added that by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, the NCC seeks to stay ahead of cyber adversaries and minimise potential disruptions to the nation’s communications infrastructure.
According to the EVC, the partnership with other agencies aims to establish guidelines, detect intrusions, and track down cybercrime offenders.
Maida emphasised that the NCC, in conjunction with the NSA, ensures the full implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order on safeguarding Critical National Information Infrastructure, which is designed to enhance the security and resilience of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
On the issue of protecting telecom infrastructure during road construction, the EVC specifically commended Edo State government for its approach. He noted that before any road construction begins in the state, contractors always notify both the NCC and mobile network operators (MNOs).
“I would like to appreciate the Edo State government for the way they have handled that collaboration in a very simple but effective manner,” Maida said.
Regarding compensation or refunds for consumers affected by dropped calls and slow data, the EVC stressed that “The refund is not from the commission but a compliance obligation placed on service providers.” He further clarified that operators must take full responsibility for their actions, adding that eligible subscribers will receive airtime credits along with notifications explaining the cause and value of the compensation.
The event was attended by the Executive Commissioner of Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, as well as other directors of the commission. (GSF)
