By Abigail Mbah
The Nigerian Communications Commission has set up a new Internet Governance Working Group to improve coordination on online safety, cybersecurity and digital issues, following survey results that showed many operators are not fully prepared for new rules.
The group was formally inaugurated on Thursday during the commission’s first Internet Governance Symposium in Lagos.
Abraham Oshadami, the NCC’s executive commissioner for technical services, who stood in for Executive Vice Chairman Dr Aminu Maida, announced the move, saying the working group would give telecom operators, internet service providers and other stakeholders a regular platform to discuss challenges and work through solutions together.
According to him, the timing follows a survey presented at the same event, which found that only two of 19 licence holders assessed were fully ready to implement the 2026 Internet Code of Practice. Nine said they were partially prepared, while five admitted they were not ready. The survey collected responses from 47 organisations across the industry, academia and civil society.
Findings also pointed to gaps in artificial intelligence use. A large share of respondents reported using or testing AI systems in their operations, yet many lacked clear policies or oversight arrangements. Cybersecurity, online safety, child protection, data protection and AI governance ranked among the top priorities identified for the next couple of years.
Oshadami noted that decisions about the internet now affect far more than just networks. They shape trust, economic opportunity, security and user rights. He pointed to the commission’s Cyber Resilience Framework for the communications sector as one tool already in place to help protect critical infrastructure.
To help operators close the gaps, the NCC plans to release clearer implementation guidelines and frequently asked questions on the Internet Code of Practice. It will also run workshops for those who need extra support. Officials expect the new working group to keep the conversation going beyond the symposium and turn discussions into practical steps on compliance and consumer protection.
The survey also showed limited participation in existing internet governance forums. Many organisations cited low awareness or the view that the issues did not directly affect their day-to-day work. The working group is intended to address that by making engagement more structured and relevant to the sector.