NCC Launches Internet Governance Working Group to Strengthen Online Safety, AI Accountability
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched an Internet Governance Working Group to strengthen online safety, improve cybersecurity, promote responsible artificial intelligence (AI) use, and encourage greater stakeholder participation in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
The initiative was unveiled at the commission’s inaugural Internet Governance Symposium held in Lagos on October 15, 2026. It comes amid growing concerns about online fraud, data privacy, harmful digital content, child protection, and the accountability of AI-powered systems.
The working group is expected to provide a continuing platform for collaboration among telecommunications operators, internet service providers, government institutions, academics, technical experts, and civil society organisations.
NCC Survey Reveals Gaps in Internet Code Compliance
The launch followed a survey presented by the NCC’s Head of Internet Governance, Dr Ibiso Kingsley-George, which examined stakeholders’ readiness to implement the 2026 Internet Code of Practice (ICOP).
According to the findings, only two of the 19 telecommunications and internet service licensees assessed were fully prepared to implement the code. Nine reported partial readiness, while five said they were not ready. The reported categories accounted for 16 of the 19 licensees.
The survey received responses from 47 participants drawn from industry, academia, and civil society. Respondents included mobile network operators, internet service providers, and academic institutions.
Cybersecurity obligations and provisions relating to artificial intelligence emerged as some of the most challenging requirements for licensees.
Some stakeholders requested clearer implementation guidelines, reporting templates, and practical explanations of their responsibilities under the code.
In response, the NCC said it would publish implementation guidelines and frequently asked questions and organise workshops to support licensees that need additional assistance.
AI Accountability Becomes a Major Concern
The growing adoption of artificial intelligence across Nigeria’s communications sector was another major issue highlighted at the symposium.
The survey found that 73 per cent of respondents were using or piloting AI, while only 39 per cent had an approved AI policy. Just 34 per cent reported applying human oversight to AI systems.
These findings highlight the importance of establishing appropriate safeguards as organisations increasingly use AI to provide services, process information, and interact with customers.
Without clear governance arrangements, questions may arise over responsibility for automated decisions, the handling of personal information, the spread of harmful content, and the resolution of errors affecting consumers.
The survey also revealed strong support for transparency, with 94 per cent of respondents believing consumers should be informed when interacting with AI. However, 40 per cent favoured periodic reporting rather than notification before deployment.
The findings indicate that responsible AI adoption involves more than introducing new technology. Organisations also need clear policies, accountability structures, appropriate human supervision, and transparent communication with users.
Online Safety and Child Protection Among Key Priorities
The NCC’s internet governance discussions identified cybersecurity, online safety, child protection, data protection, cross-border data flows, and AI governance as leading priorities for 2026 and 2027.
These issues have become increasingly important as Nigerians depend on digital platforms for education, communication, financial transactions, entertainment, and business activities.
Online safety measures can help address threats such as digital fraud, abusive content, privacy violations, and the exploitation of vulnerable internet users. Stronger cybersecurity practices are also important for protecting the infrastructure that supports digital services.
The commission’s proposed working group is expected to encourage cooperation among stakeholders and help turn discussions about these challenges into practical actions.
NCC Calls for Greater Stakeholder Collaboration
Speaking at the symposium, Executive Commissioner for Technical Services Abraham Oshadami, who represented NCC Executive Vice Chairman Dr Aminu Maida, stressed the importance of cooperation in addressing emerging internet governance challenges.
He noted that artificial intelligence was changing how people learn, work, communicate, and access services, while introducing new questions about fraud, privacy, accountability, harmful content, and the protection of children.
The commission maintained that these challenges require informed dialogue and collaboration across the communications sector and beyond.
The symposium also examined issues relating to Nigeria’s .ng country-code domain, domain name system security, domain abuse, and the ISO/IEC 42001 standard for AI management systems.
The NCC also highlighted the Cyber Resilience Framework for the Nigeria Communication Sector, which calls for stronger security and resilience across the infrastructure supporting digital services.
What the New Working Group Means for Internet Users in Nigeria
The establishment of the Internet Governance Working Group could help create a more coordinated approach to online safety, cybersecurity, and responsible technology adoption in Nigeria.
For internet users, these discussions are relevant to how personal information is handled, how digital services address harmful activity, and how organisations remain accountable when deploying emerging technologies.
For telecommunications operators and other digital service providers, the process may bring clearer expectations around compliance with the Internet Code of Practice 2026, including cybersecurity and AI-related obligations.
However, the impact of the initiative will depend on how effectively the working group translates its objectives into practical measures, how consistently stakeholders implement the agreed requirements, and how progress is monitored.
As artificial intelligence continues to influence Nigeria’s digital economy, the NCC’s initiative places greater emphasis on collaboration, transparency, consumer protection, and responsible internet governance.
The commission’s planned implementation guidance and stakeholder workshops are expected to support efforts to close existing compliance gaps and encourage a safer, more accountable online environment.
Conclusion
The NCC’s launch of the Internet Governance Working Group marks a new step in efforts to address Nigeria’s evolving internet governance challenges. With cybersecurity, online safety, child protection, data privacy, and AI accountability among the key priorities, the initiative aims to strengthen cooperation and support more responsible use of digital technologies across the country.
The next stage will be turning these priorities into clear guidance, effective safeguards, and measurable improvements for organisations and everyday internet users.
