NCC Moves To Tackle AI Risks, Online Fraud With New Working Group
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has moved to strengthen oversight of Nigeria’s digital space with the establishment of an Internet Governance Working Group to tackle artificial intelligence risks, online fraud, privacy breaches and threats to vulnerable internet users.
According to a statement made available on Saturday by the Director Public Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, the working group, launched at the recently held inaugural NCC Internet Governance Symposium 2026 is expected to drive sustained engagement among stakeholders and develop coordinated responses to emerging challenges in the country’s digital ecosystem.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, said internet governance had become critical to protecting users’ rights and building public confidence in digital services.
Oshadami, who represented the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, said decisions about the internet went beyond technology and connectivity.
“They affect opportunity, trust, security and the rights of the people who use it,” he said.
He warned that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence was creating new concerns around harmful content, online fraud, privacy, accountability and child protection, making collaboration among regulators, operators and other stakeholders imperative.
According to him, no single institution could effectively address the growing complexities of internet governance without coordinated action across the communications sector and beyond.
The working group is expected to provide a permanent platform for stakeholders to identify priority issues, strengthen dialogue and translate policy discussions into practical measures to improve online safety.
Oshadami also identified the NCC’s Internet Code of Practice (ICOP) 2026 as a key framework for promoting responsible online conduct, noting that its success would depend on meaningful stakeholder engagement, clear expectations and consistent implementation.
He further highlighted the Cyber Resilience Framework for the Nigeria Communication Sector (CRF-NCS), designed to strengthen the security and resilience of infrastructure underpinning digital services.
The commissioner urged participants to move beyond discussions and embrace concrete responsibilities towards building a safer and more accountable digital environment.
The symposium attracted stakeholders from across the telecommunications and internet governance sectors, including representatives of the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria, the Nigeria Internet Registration Association and the West Africa Internet Governance Forum.
The NCC said sustained cooperation would be essential to addressing emerging digital threats and ensuring that Nigerians could access online services with greater confidence and security.
