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, 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 in Lagos
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched an Internet Governance Working Group to strengthen online safety, AI accountability and coordinated action on emerging digital challenges.
The launch took place in Lagos, at the inaugural NCC Internet Governance Symposium, where the Commission called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address artificial intelligence, online fraud, privacy concerns and protection of vulnerable users.
Speaking at the event, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, who delivered the opening address on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida, said decisions about the internet go beyond technology and connectivity.
"They affect opportunity, trust, security and the rights of the people who use it," he said, stressing the need for Nigeria's active participation in internet governance discussions.
According to a statement signed by Director Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, he said rapid growth of artificial intelligence is changing how people learn, work, communicate and access services, while creating new concerns around harmful content, fraud, privacy, accountability and child protection.
He noted that no single institution can address these challenges in isolation and cooperation across the communications sector and beyond is required.
He highlighted the Internet Code of Practice (ICOP) 2026 as a framework for promoting a safer and more responsible online environment, adding that its effectiveness will depend on clear expectations, meaningful stakeholder engagement and consistent implementation.
He also drew attention to the Cyber Resilience Framework for the Nigeria Communication Sector (CRF-NCS), designed to strengthen security and resilience of infrastructure supporting digital services, saying both initiatives reflect a fundamental responsibility to ensure Nigerians use the internet with greater confidence.
A key highlight of the symposium was the formal launch of the Internet Governance Working Group, established to provide a continuing platform for stakeholder engagement beyond the event.
The platform is expected to strengthen dialogue, identify practical priorities and encourage coordinated action on issues affecting Nigeria's digital environment.
He urged participants to engage candidly and constructively and to leave with a clearer understanding of their responsibilities and a shared commitment to action.
The Commission expressed appreciation to participants and declared the inaugural NCC Internet Governance Symposium 2026 open, with a call for sustained cooperation towards a safer, more secure and responsible digital future for Nigeria.