NCC, NDPC push stronger Cybersecurity, data protection as Nigeria expands digital economy

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have called for stronger cybersecurity and data protection measures as Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation and adoption of emerging technologies.

The call was made at the International Cybersecurity Conference 2026, which brought together government officials, diplomats and other stakeholders to promote a safer and more resilient digital environment.

The conference featured goodwill messages from ambassadors, ministers and senators from Nigeria and partner countries, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing growing cybersecurity threats.

The NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, delivered a keynote address on behalf of the commission’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aminu Maida.

Maida stressed that Nigeria’s digital transformation should not be measured solely by improvements in internet speed, network coverage and connectivity, but also by the ability of digital infrastructure to withstand cyberattacks and other security threats.

“The future of Nigeria’s digital transformation will not be judged merely by how fast our networks run, but by how securely they stand when tested,” he said.

He emphasised the need to strengthen the security of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure as digital services become increasingly central to economic activities, public administration and everyday communication.

The conference also featured a keynote presentation by the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatinji, titled “Trust by Design: Data Protection and Privacy in the Age of AI.”

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Olatinji highlighted the importance of incorporating privacy, data protection and trust into digital systems from the design stage, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes more widely adopted across different sectors.

He underscored the need for organisations developing and deploying digital technologies to prioritise the protection of personal information and ensure that privacy considerations are integrated into their operations.

The discussions also examined the importance of collaboration among government agencies, international partners, technology companies and other stakeholders in strengthening cybersecurity frameworks and safeguarding sensitive information.

As Nigeria expands its digital economy, the protection of personal data and the security of digital infrastructure are becoming increasingly important to consumer confidence, business operations and the adoption of online services.

The conference reinforced the need for proactive security measures, responsible deployment of emerging technologies and sustained cooperation among stakeholders to address evolving cyber threats.

The NCC and NDPC maintained that building a secure digital ecosystem requires a coordinated approach that combines resilient telecommunications infrastructure, effective data protection practices and greater awareness of cybersecurity risks.