The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has charged Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISP) on the security and safety of their network for consumers.
The NCC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO), Professor Umar Danbatta, gave the directive at the 2023 annual Nigeria Digital Sense Forum.
Danbatta while speaking at the Forum which took place in Lagos State recently centred his speech around the theme “Internet Governance for Development”.
He said that one of the regulatory frameworks put in place by the Commission is the Internet Code of Practice (ICP) for the telecom industry which is essentially to protect the right of Internet users to an open Internet.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, Danbatta further said that the Internet Code also outlines the obligations of Internet Access Service providers in relation to the protection of consumers’ personal data.
It also 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.
“Building a robust legal and regulatory frameworks is a crucial requirement for effective data governance in Nigeria,” Danbatta said.
Represented by the NCC spokesperson, Dr. Chidi Diugwu, Danbatta also said that the ICP provides the framework in this regard.
According to him, 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 of privacy, data integrity and online trust across telecom networks.
“As we embrace the transformative potential of newer technologies such as 5G, we must prioritise safety concerns because the amount and speed of data generated using 5G technology is unprecedented.
“As such, we need to always prioritise consumer privacy, transparency and ethical data use and this can be achieved by cultivating trust and handling data responsibly.
“By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of 5G technology and promote innovation in Nigeria,” he said.
The NCC boss further emphasized 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.
“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 stated.
