The Nigerian Communications Commission has launched an Internet Governance Working Group to deepen stakeholder participation and tackle emerging challenges involving AI, cybersecurity, privacy and online safety.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched an Internet Governance Working Group (IGWG) to strengthen stakeholder participation in internet policy discussions, improve digital security and promote a safer, more responsible online environment in Nigeria.
The initiative was unveiled on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Commission’s inaugural Internet Governance Symposium in Lagos, held under the theme, “Strengthening Sector Participation in Internet Governance Processes.”
The working group is expected to provide a continuing platform for collaboration among government institutions, telecommunications operators, technical experts, academia, civil society and other stakeholders involved in shaping the future of the internet.
NCC Seeks Stronger Collaboration on Internet Governance
Speaking at the symposium, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, who delivered the opening address on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, said internet governance required sustained engagement beyond one-off events.
He explained that decisions affecting the internet extend beyond telecommunications infrastructure, influencing economic opportunities, public trust, digital security and the rights of internet users.
Oshadami said Nigeria’s communications sector needed to contribute its practical experience to national, regional and global internet governance discussions and translate the outcomes into meaningful action.
According to him, the working group would help maintain dialogue among stakeholders, create a channel for contributions and support follow-through on agreed priorities.
AI Growth Raises Online Safety and Privacy Concerns
The NCC executive commissioner highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), noting that the technology was changing how people learn, work, communicate and access services.
However, he warned that the expansion of AI was also raising concerns about harmful content, fraud, privacy, accountability and the protection of children and other vulnerable internet users.
“These questions cannot be answered by one institution alone. They require informed dialogue and cooperation across the communications sector and beyond,” he said.
The symposium therefore provided an opportunity for stakeholders to consider practical approaches to internet governance, responsible AI deployment and online safety.
Internet Code of Practice 2026 Takes Centre Stage
Oshadami also highlighted the Internet Code of Practice (ICOP) 2026, describing it as an important framework for promoting a safer and more responsible online environment.
He stressed that effective implementation would depend on clear expectations, meaningful engagement with affected stakeholders and consistent enforcement of applicable obligations.
The symposium also examined industry readiness to implement the code. A survey presented at the event found that only two of 19 licensees surveyed reported full readiness, while nine indicated partial readiness and five said they were not prepared.
The findings pointed to implementation challenges, particularly around cybersecurity obligations and AI-related provisions. Some licensees reportedly requested clearer guidance, implementation support and reporting templates. <Cite refs={[“turn520496search3″,”turn520496search11”]}/>
The survey figures reported for readiness do not account for all 19 licensees in the categories listed, so the results should not be interpreted as a complete breakdown of the entire sample.
Cyber Resilience and Critical Internet Infrastructure
The Commission also drew attention to the Cyber Resilience Framework for the Nigeria Communication Sector (CRF-NCS), which is intended to strengthen the security and resilience of infrastructure supporting digital services.
Oshadami said the framework and the Internet Code of Practice reflected the Commission’s commitment to helping Nigerians use the internet with greater confidence.
The discussions covered the security of critical internet resources, the .ng country-code domain, Domain Name System (DNS) security and domain-name abuse.
These issues are important to the reliability and security of digital services, including websites, online communications and internet-based transactions.
Stakeholders Examine Nigeria’s Role in Global Internet Governance
Beyond local regulatory concerns, the symposium considered Nigeria’s participation in international internet governance processes, including developments linked to the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) and discussions at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).
Participants also examined private-sector participation and barriers that prevent organisations from contributing consistently to internet governance initiatives.
A presentation of stakeholder survey results formed part of the programme, alongside expert presentations and panel discussions intended to identify priorities for further engagement.
The event was expected to produce a joint communiqué outlining agreed priorities, resolutions and key actions.
Working Group Expected to Sustain Engagement
The launch of the Internet Governance Working Group marks an effort by the NCC to create a more sustained process for stakeholder consultation and cooperation.
Its effectiveness will depend on the extent to which participating organisations can contribute consistently, address implementation challenges and turn discussions into measurable action.
As artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital services continue to evolve, sustained engagement among regulators, industry, technical experts, academia and civil society will remain important to Nigeria’s internet governance priorities.
For the NCC, the working group is expected to help ensure that Nigeria’s perspectives and priorities receive greater attention in discussions shaping the internet’s future.
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