NCC Sets 2026 Deadline for Cybersecurity Framework in Telecom Industry
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has revealed plans to introduce a comprehensive cybersecurity framework for the country’s telecommunications sector, with full implementation scheduled for 2026.
The regulatory body said the initiative is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of telecom infrastructure, protecting consumer data, and positioning Nigeria’s communications industry in line with global standards.
The framework, which is currently being fine-tuned, is the product of ongoing consultations with telecom operators, industry experts, and government agencies. It is expected to provide clear rules on how telecom companies should manage cyber risks, respond to threats, and ensure resilience against attacks.
Speaking on the development, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, explained that the framework had reached an advanced stage of preparation and would be made public in due course. He noted that the plan goes beyond addressing present challenges, as it is designed to anticipate future risks associated with emerging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and digital financial platforms.
The decision to roll out the framework is partly influenced by the growing wave of consumer complaints in the sector. Many subscribers have reported issues ranging from unexplained data depletion and spam messages to SIM-related fraud and phishing scams. To address these concerns, the NCC has engaged professional consulting firms, including KPMG and PwC, to conduct in-depth studies and recommend technical and regulatory solutions that will be embedded in the new framework.
Under the framework, telecom operators will be mandated to adopt stronger security measures, including enhanced identity management, improved incident monitoring, standardized breach reporting, and robust system recovery mechanisms. Companies will also be required to submit regular compliance reports to the Commission as part of its oversight function.
While industry observers have praised the NCC for taking proactive steps, they caution that successful implementation will depend on the clarity of the rules and the Commission’s capacity to enforce compliance. They further stressed the importance of collaboration between telecom operators, cybersecurity agencies, and security institutions to ensure coordinated responses to cyber threats.
The NCC has, however, assured stakeholders that the new requirements will not be enforced abruptly. Instead, operators will be given ample time to adapt, with obligations phased in ahead of the 2026 deadline to allow for necessary upgrades and adjustments.
Analysts believe the framework could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s digital economy, boosting consumer confidence and strengthening the resilience of telecom networks against cybercrime.
With the official release expected in the coming months, attention is now focused on how the Commission will set its compliance roadmap and the specific enforcement measures it intends to apply.
