The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring an accessible, resilient and secure digital space that supports the nation’s digital economy.
The Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management, NCC, Rimini Makama, gave the assurance at the Commission’s Digital Economy Sensitisation Forum held on Thursday in Abuja. The event had the theme, “Leaving No One Behind: Digital Access, Equity and Empowerment.”
The forum brought together key players in the digital economy ecosystem to promote cybersecurity awareness.
Makama, represented by the Head, Consumer Information and Education, Olasumbo Olawaiye, emphasised that access was fundamental to opportunity in the digital age. He said the Commission remained committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure was resilient, accessible and secure.
“Digital empowerment must be inclusive. Without inclusion and equity, the benefits of the digital economy will remain unevenly distributed.
“The Commission, through its Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) and other initiatives, is actively extending digital opportunities to the unserved, undeserved, physically challenged and vulnerable groups through several impactful programmes,” he said.
The Publicity Expert for the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Dr. Nihinlola Fefa, said the association had consistently championed cybersecurity awareness and sensitization.
“ATCON has been a key stakeholder in the ICT and telecoms industry. We have always advocated for cybersecurity awareness. We interface with all telecom companies, conduct studies and contribute in many ways,” she said.
Fefa also commended the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, for deploying technology solutions to rural communities. She noted that while Nigeria had recorded progress in cybersecurity, more still needed to be done.
“We are in a good position right now, and we can do better from the government side,” she added.
Also speaking, the Head, IT and Cybersecurity at the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Olorunisomo Isola, said the Commission had developed the necessary frameworks to guide organizations in safeguarding data.
Earlier, the Head of the Digital Economy Department in the ministry, Yahaya Abubakar, said the forum was convened to bring stakeholders and policymakers together to build a Nigeria where digital access translates into real opportunities for all.
