The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has mandated Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISP) in the country to adhere to regulatory frameworks aimed at ensuring the safety and security of their network for telecom users.
The Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) Prof. Umar Danbatta, gave the directive at the 2023 annual Nigeria DigitalSense Forum, according to a statement by the Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka on Wednesday.
At the forum which focused on Internet Governance for Development, Danbatta said one of the regulatory frameworks put in place by the Commission is the Internet Code of Practice (ICP) for the telecom industry.
He said the ICP is essential to protect the right of Internet users to an open Internet and provide clear guidelines to Internet Access Service Providers on the use of traffic management practices.
The EVC said the Internet Code also outlines the obligations of Internet Access Service Providers in relation to the protection of consumers’ data as well as lists the obligations of Internet Access Service Providers in the handling of offensive and potentially-harmful content, and the protection of minors and vulnerable audiences online; among others.
Through upholding the tenets of the Internet Governance Code, Danbatta said the Commission, in collaboration with other stakeholders, can make networks safe and get telecom consumers protected online.
Speaking to the theme of the event: “5G: Data Governance, Safety and Security in Nigeria”, Danbatta said building robust legal and regulatory frameworks is a crucial requirement for effective data governance in Nigeria and that the ICP provides the framework in this regard.
Represented by the NCC’s Head, of New Media and Information Security, Dr. Chidi Diugwu, the EVC said with the emergence of new technologies such as the Fifth Generation (5G), currently being deployed in Nigeria, the need has come to pay greater attention to the issue privacy, data integrity and online trust across telecom networks.
“As we embrace the transformative potential of newer technologies such as 5G, we must prioritize safety concerns because the amount and speed of data generated using 5G technology is unprecedented.
“As such, we need to always prioritize consumer privacy, transparency, and ethical data use; this can be achieved by cultivating trust and handling data responsibly, and by doing so, we can unlock the full potential of 5G technology and promote innovation in Nigeria,” he said.
While emphasizing that the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 requests NCC’s licensees to prevent their network facilities or services from being used for the commission of any offence under any law in operation in Nigeria, Danbatta said “In this regard, licensees are required to collaborate with the Commission by complying with their legal and regulatory obligations towards ensuring effective Internet governance in Nigeria,” he said.
