Nigeria is intensifying efforts to make the internet safer as artificial intelligence (AI) introduces fresh challenges for cybersecurity, data privacy and digital trust.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is driving the latest push, bringing government representatives, technology companies, academics, technical experts and civil society groups together for an Internet Governance Symposium in Lagos on Thursday, 15 October 2026.
According to TheNumbersNG’s report on the symposium, the event focused on how Nigeria can contribute to global internet governance discussions while ensuring that emerging policies deliver practical benefits to internet users and businesses at home.
Dr Aminu Maida, the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, was represented by Abraham Oshadami, the commission’s Executive Commissioner for Technical Services.
Maida stressed that internet governance is no longer simply a technical matter. Decisions about how digital platforms operate can influence economic opportunities, public confidence, national security and the rights of individuals.
As Nigerians increasingly depend on online banking, electronic payments, telecommunications and digital public services, protecting these systems has become essential to sustaining confidence in the country’s digital economy.
The growing use of AI makes the challenge more pressing. While the technology offers opportunities to improve productivity and service delivery, it can also facilitate online fraud, harmful content, privacy violations and impersonation.
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NCC Introduces Frameworks to Improve Digital Protection
A key part of the NCC’s approach involves the Internet Code of Practice (ICOP) 2026 and the Cyber Resilience Framework for the Nigeria Communications Sector (CRF-NCS).
The commission identified these initiatives as important instruments for promoting responsible internet use and improving the security of the infrastructure supporting communications services.
The Internet Code of Practice is intended to encourage a safer online environment, while the cyber resilience framework focuses on strengthening the communications sector’s ability to withstand and recover from digital threats.
However, the NCC recognises that policies alone will not guarantee better protection. Their effectiveness will depend on clear responsibilities, consistent implementation and meaningful engagement with the people and organisations affected by them.
The symposium also witnessed the launch of the Internet Governance Working Group (IGWG), a platform designed to sustain discussions beyond the event.
The group is expected to help stakeholders identify shared priorities, contribute to internet policy discussions and follow up on agreed actions.
For Nigeria, the initiative could provide a more organised channel for cooperation between regulators, private businesses and other participants in the digital economy.
The wider objective is to ensure that international discussions about internet regulation translate into measures that address local realities, including online safety, data protection and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
AI Threats Put Nigerian Businesses and Internet Users at Risk
The urgency behind Nigeria’s cybersecurity efforts is reinforced by warnings from the country’s emergency response authorities.
In an official cybersecurity advisory published by ngCERT, the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team highlighted escalating threats involving phishing, ransomware, business email compromise and data breaches.
The advisory noted that criminals are increasingly using automation and AI to make attacks more convincing, expand their reach and exploit weaknesses in organisational security.
Financial institutions, telecommunications providers, government agencies and healthcare organisations face particular risks because they manage sensitive information and services that must remain available.
AI-assisted scams can also make it more difficult for ordinary Nigerians to distinguish genuine communications from fraudulent messages. Fake identities, manipulated audio and convincing digital content can be used to pressure unsuspecting victims into transferring money or disclosing confidential information.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) raised similar concerns when it launched the 2026 National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
In its reported guidance on AI-driven scams, the agency warned about deepfake impersonation, voice cloning and fraudulent QR-code attacks.
These threats underline the need for a coordinated response involving regulators, technology providers, businesses and individual users.
Organisations must strengthen access controls, update vulnerable systems, monitor suspicious activity and train employees to recognise digital threats. Individuals should also use unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication and avoid sharing one-time passwords or banking credentials.
Back Story: Nigeria’s Digital Expansion Raises the Stakes
Nigeria’s push for stronger online security comes as digital services become increasingly important to commerce, communication and public administration.
The expansion of fintech, online marketplaces, cloud computing and AI-powered services has created new opportunities for businesses and consumers. However, it has also increased the amount of valuable information held on internet-connected systems.
This growth means that a successful cyberattack can extend beyond financial losses to disrupt essential services, expose private information and damage public confidence.
The government’s challenge is to encourage innovation without allowing security and accountability to fall behind technological progress.
The NCC’s latest initiatives reflect that balancing act. Its governance frameworks and newly launched working group provide avenues for collaboration, but their long-term impact will depend on implementation, monitoring and the willingness of stakeholders to act on identified risks.
Ultimately, safer internet access requires more than new policies. Nigeria must combine effective regulation, resilient infrastructure, responsible AI adoption and stronger public awareness.
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in everyday digital activities, protecting Nigerians online will be an important measure of whether the country’s digital transformation can deliver sustainable growth without compromising security and trust.
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