L- R: Mr. Dewole Ajao, Board Member, African Network Information Centre; Mrs. Seyi Onasanya, Chief Operating Officer, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA); Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC); Mrs. Mary Uduma, Coordinator, West Africa Internet Governance Forum; Mr. Tony Emoekpere, President Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON); Ms. Atinuke Ibrahim, Representing Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, (ALTON), during the NCC Internet Governance Symposium 2026, at Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos October 15th 2026.
By Peace Udugba — The Daily Torch Media
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 emerging digital threats in Nigeria.
The working group was unveiled on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the inaugural NCC Internet Governance Symposium in Lagos, where stakeholders were urged to turn discussions on internet governance into practical measures that would benefit Nigerians.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Commissioner for 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 extended beyond technology and connectivity.
According to him, decisions affecting the internet also have implications for economic opportunities, public trust, security and the rights of users.
He stressed the need for Nigeria to participate actively in internet governance discussions as digital technologies continue to shape communication, education, business and access to essential services.
AI Growth Raises Online Safety Concerns
Oshadami noted that the rapid development of artificial intelligence was transforming how people learn, work, communicate and access services.
However, he said the growing use of AI and other digital technologies had also raised concerns about harmful online content, internet fraud, privacy violations, accountability and the protection of children and other vulnerable users.
He emphasised that addressing these challenges required cooperation among telecommunications operators, government institutions, technology companies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
According to him, no single institution can effectively tackle the emerging challenges of the digital environment without collaboration across relevant sectors.
NCC Highlights Internet Code of Practice
The Executive Commissioner also highlighted the NCC’s Internet Code of Practice (ICOP) 2026 as a framework for promoting a safer and more responsible online environment.
He explained that the effectiveness of the code would depend on clearly defined responsibilities, meaningful engagement with stakeholders and consistent implementation.
Oshadami 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.
He said the initiatives reflected the need to protect Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and enable citizens to use online services with greater confidence.
Working Group to Sustain Stakeholder Engagement
A major highlight of the symposium was the formal launch of the Internet Governance Working Group, which is expected to provide a continuing platform for engagement beyond the inaugural event.
The group is intended to strengthen dialogue among stakeholders, identify priority issues and encourage coordinated action on challenges affecting Nigeria’s digital environment.
Its establishment also provides an avenue for stakeholders to contribute to discussions on internet policy, online safety, responsible AI use and the protection of users’ rights.
Oshadami urged participants to make their contributions openly and constructively, encouraging them to identify their respective responsibilities and commit to practical action.
He expressed the Commission’s appreciation to participants for their contributions and formally declared the inaugural NCC Internet Governance Symposium 2026 open.
The event ended with a call for sustained cooperation among stakeholders to promote a safer, more secure and responsible digital environment for Nigeria.
Tags: Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Internet Governance, Online Safety, Artificial Intelligence, Data Privacy, Cybersecurity, Aminu Maida, Abraham Oshadami
