We prioritise security, stability of telecoms infrastructure, NCC tells stakeholders

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it remains committed to fostering an environment that encourages innovation while prioritising the security and stability of telecom infrastructure in the country.

Aminu Maida, the executive vice-chairman of NCC, gave the assurance on Tuesday at the telecommunications industry risk management conference in Lagos.

The conference was themed ‘Evolution and Future of Risk Management in the Telecommunications Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies And Trends’

Maida, who was represented by Ubale Maska, NCC executive commissioner of technical services, said with the emergence of innovations in the telecom sector, there is a need to ensure risk management is deployed.

“In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the telecommunications industry finds itself at the forefront of innovation, shaping the way we communicate, connect, and conduct business,” Maida said.

‘As we navigate this dynamic environment, the need for effective risk management becomes increasingly paramount.

“Today, we stand at the crossroads of tradition and transformation, where emerging technologies and trends present both unprecedented opportunities and challenges.

“While we discuss the current landscape of 5G networks, which boast of wider attack surface due to the increased number of connected devices and denser network infrastructure, it is imperative to even cast our gaze into the future. 

“We are witnessing the dawn of 6G technology, the next frontier in wireless communication. With promises of even faster speeds, lower latency, and groundbreaking applications, 6G has the potential to revolutionise the way we experience connectivity. 

“However, with this advancement comes the responsibility to address new risks, from cybersecurity threats to ethical considerations, ensuring that we pave the way for a secure and inclusive digital future.

“Looking beyond, the prospect of 7G technology also looms on the horizon. Anticipating and managing risks associated with 7G will require collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach to ensure the seamless integration of this technology into our interconnected world.

“These trends, when harnessed effectively, hold the potential to transform our industry positively. However, they also introduce complexities that demand careful consideration in our risk management strategies.”

Maida said NCC is “committed to fostering an environment that encourages innovation while prioritising the security and stability of our telecom infrastructure”.

“As we navigate through 5G and the uncharted territory of the next generations of wireless technologies, collaborative efforts among regulators, industry players, and other stakeholders become even more crucial for sharing best practices, threat intelligence, resources and implementing robust risk management strategies,” he added.

“We should therefore move beyond mere compliance and reactive measures, and instead, harness the power of these new technologies and trends to build a resilient and future-proof industry.”

The EVC also said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) should be leveraged to generate data-driven insights needed to predict, detect, and respond to risks in real time. 

Maida said stakeholders should also monitor evolving threats and vulnerabilities continuously and streamline incidence response processes to build a resilient telecom industry.