NCC Launches Internet Governance Working Group to Strengthen Online Safety and AI Accountability
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched an Internet Governance Working Group to strengthen online safety, promote accountability in artificial intelligence (AI) and coordinate efforts to tackle internet fraud, privacy violations and other emerging digital threats in Nigeria.
The development was announced in a press release issued on October 16, 2026, and signed by Nnenna Ukoha, Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, following the commission’s inaugural Internet Governance Symposium held in Lagos on Thursday, October 15.
Speaking at the symposium, 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, stressed that internet governance must go beyond technological advancement to address its broader implications for society.
“They affect opportunity, trust, security and the rights of the people who use it,” Oshadami said, underscoring the importance of Nigeria’s active participation in discussions shaping the global and domestic digital environment.
He noted that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence was transforming how people learn, work, communicate and access services, while raising concerns about harmful content, online fraud, privacy, accountability and the protection of children and other vulnerable internet users.
According to him, these challenges require coordinated action across the communications industry and other relevant sectors, as no single institution can effectively address them in isolation.
The newly established Internet Governance Working Group is expected to provide a sustained platform for stakeholder engagement beyond the symposium, enabling participants to identify practical priorities, strengthen dialogue and coordinate responses to challenges affecting Nigeria’s digital environment.
Oshadami also highlighted the NCC’s Internet Code of Practice (ICOP) 2026 as a framework for promoting a safer and more responsible online environment. He emphasised that its success would depend on clearly defined expectations, meaningful stakeholder engagement and consistent implementation.
He further drew attention to 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.
The commissioner said the two initiatives reflected the responsibility of stakeholders to ensure that Nigerians could access and use digital services with greater confidence.
He urged participants to contribute openly and constructively to the symposium, calling on them to leave with a clearer understanding of their individual responsibilities and a shared commitment to practical action.
The NCC expressed appreciation to stakeholders who participated in the inaugural event and called for sustained cooperation towards building a safer, more secure and responsible digital environment for Nigeria.
