NCC Launches Internet Governance Working Group on Online Safety, AI Accountability
By Folarin Abiodun
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has launched an Internet Governance Working Group to strengthen stakeholder collaboration on online safety, artificial intelligence (AI) accountability, data privacy and the protection of vulnerable internet users.
The working group was unveiled on Thursday, at the inaugural NCC Internet Governance Symposium in Lagos, where the Commission called for coordinated action to address emerging challenges in Nigeria’s digital environment.
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 internet governance decisions had implications beyond technology and connectivity.
“They affect opportunity, trust, security and the rights of the people who use it,” he said, emphasising the need for Nigeria to play an active role in shaping internet governance policies and practices.
Oshadami noted that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence was transforming how people learn, work, communicate and access services, while raising concerns about harmful content, online fraud, privacy violations, accountability and child protection.
He said the growing complexity of these challenges required cooperation across the communications sector and other relevant institutions, stressing that no single organisation could effectively address them in isolation.
The NCC official highlighted the Commission’s Internet Code of Practice (ICOP) 2026 as a framework for promoting a safer and more responsible online environment.
According to him, the effectiveness of the code would depend on clear expectations, meaningful stakeholder engagement and consistent implementation.
He also cited the Cyber Resilience Framework for the Nigeria Communication Sector (CRF-NCS), which is designed to strengthen the security and resilience of infrastructure supporting digital services.
Oshadami said the two initiatives reflected the Commission’s responsibility to ensure that Nigerians could access and use digital services with greater confidence.
The newly established Internet Governance Working Group is expected to provide a continuous platform for stakeholder engagement beyond the symposium, facilitating dialogue, identifying priority issues and promoting coordinated responses to challenges affecting Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Oshadami urged participants to engage in candid and constructive discussions, calling on stakeholders to leave the symposium with a clearer understanding of their responsibilities and a shared commitment to practical action.
He expressed the Commission’s appreciation to participants and formally declared the inaugural NCC Internet Governance Symposium 2026 open, reiterating the need for sustained cooperation to build a safer, more secure and responsible digital environment for Nigeria.
