>
By Emmanuel Adeleke
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISP) in the country to comply with regulatory frameworks set by the commission towards ensuring security and safety of their networks for telecoms consumers.
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, gave the charge at the 2023 annual Nigeria DigitalSense Forum, focused on Internet Governance for Development, recently held in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “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, adding that the ICP provides the framework in this regard.
Danbatta, who was represented by NCC’s Head of New Media and Information Security, Dr. Chidi Diugwu, said one of the regulatory framework put in place by the commission is the Internet Code of Practice (ICP) for telecoms industry, which is essentially 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.
He said the internet code also outlines the obligations of Internet Access Service Providers in relation to the protection of consumers’ personal 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.
Danbatta said the commission, in collaboration with other stakeholders, can make networks safe and get telecoms consumers protected online.
The EVC, however, underscored the need for telecoms licensees, especially the MNOs and ISPs, to adhere strictly to industry frameworks that seek to enthrone effective governance in Internet delivery services.
He said with the emergence of new technologies such as the Fifth Generation (5G) network currently being deployed in Nigeria, the need has come to pay greater attention to the issue of privacy, data integrity and online trust across telecoms 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, and by doing so, we can unlock the full potential of 5G technology and promote innovation in Nigeria,” he said.
While emphasising 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.”