The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched a new Internet Governance Working Group to enhance online safety, strengthen cybersecurity, advocate for responsible artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, and expand stakeholder engagement across the nation's digital sector. The initiative was formally introduced during the regulatory body's inaugural Internet Governance Symposium, held in Lagos on October 15, 2026.
Established as a permanent collaborative forum, the working group brings together telecommunications operators, internet service providers, government bodies, academic institutions, technical experts, and civil society organizations. The launch comes in response to mounting concerns surrounding digital fraud, consumer data privacy, harmful online material, child protection, and the accountability of automated AI systems.
The announcement followed a survey presented by Dr. Ibiso Kingsley-George, the NCC's Head of Internet Governance, which evaluated readiness across the sector to implement the 2026 Internet Code of Practice (ICOP). Drawing 47 respondents from telecommunications, academia, and civil society, the survey highlighted significant compliance hurdles, particularly regarding cybersecurity mandates and AI oversight.
Among 19 evaluated telecommunications and internet service licensees, only two were fully prepared to adopt the code. Nine licensees indicated partial readiness, while five stated they were not ready, making up 16 of the 19 assessed operators across those reported categories. In response to industry requests for clearer directives and standardized reporting templates, the NCC confirmed plans to issue implementation guidelines, publish frequently asked questions, and host technical support workshops.
The survey also detailed the rapid integration of artificial intelligence within Nigeria's communications landscape. While 73 percent of respondents reported actively using or piloting AI technologies, only 39 percent had an approved organizational AI policy, and just 34 percent applied human oversight to their AI operations. Furthermore, 94 percent of respondents maintained that consumers should be notified when interacting with AI systems, though 40 percent favored periodic disclosure over prior notification before deployment.
Looking ahead, the NCC identified cybersecurity, online safety, child protection, data privacy, cross-border data transfers, and AI governance as core priorities for 2026 and 2027. Speaking at the event on behalf of NCC Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Commissioner for Technical Services Abraham Oshadami noted that while AI is fundamentally reshaping work, education, and communication, it also introduces pressing challenges regarding fraud, consumer privacy, and harmful content that require coordinated sector-wide dialogue.
The symposium also addressed security considerations surrounding Nigeria's .ng country-code domain, domain abuse, domain name system protection, the ISO/IEC 42001 international standard for AI management systems, and the Cyber Resilience Framework for the Nigeria Communication Sector.
Why It Matters
Nigeria has experienced rapid growth in its digital economy, driven by widespread mobile internet expansion, a booming technology sector, and increasing reliance on online financial services. As the chief regulator of the nation's communications industry, the Nigerian Communications Commission plays a central role in shaping the legal and technical safeguards that protect millions of connected citizens. The initiative reflects a broader global movement among regulatory authorities seeking to establish guardrails for artificial intelligence and user data protection without stifling technological innovation. By formalizing internet governance frameworks, African regulators are increasingly working to balance national cybersecurity priorities with consumer rights and international standards.
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