The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has restated its commitment to fostering an environment that encourages innovation while prioritising the security and stability of the nation’s telecom infrastructure.
The Commission said that even as the country navigates 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.
Speaking on Tuesday at a 2-day Telecoms Industry Risk Management Conference held in Lagos, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida said telecom stakeholders should 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.
Maida who was represented by Mr. Ubale Maska, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services at the NCC said, “You would recall that in my engagements with the Industry and Media, I had stated that collaboration is a key driver of my leadership. Together, we can build a shared understanding of emerging risks and develop comprehensive mitigation strategies.
“Building a culture of risk awareness is paramount. As an industry, we must empower our people with the knowledge and skills to proactively identify and report risks and embed security awareness and risk management practices throughout our business processes.”
The EVC advocated that emerging technologies such as AI should be leveraged to generate data-driven insights needed to predict, detect, and respond to risks in real-time, adding that evolving threats and vulnerabilities should be monitored continuously and streamline incidence response processes to build a resilient telecom industry.
He stated that in an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the telecommunications industry finds itself at the forefront of innovation, shaping the way people communicate, connect, and conduct business.
“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 revolutionize 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,” he said.
Maida stated that beyond 5G and 6G technologies, the prospect of 7G technology also looms on the horizon and warned that as the possibilities are being contemplated, there is a need to also acknowledge a fresh set of challenges.
He noted that anticipating and managing risks associated with 7G will require collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach to ensure the seamless integration of this technology into an interconnected world.
The NCC boss opined that in addition to the evolution of connectivity, the implications of emerging technologies such as quantum technologies (computing, sensing, and communications), advanced artificial intelligence, and blockchain (distributed ledger) technologies must be considered.
“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,” he said.
Themed: “Evolution And Future Risk Management In The Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies And Trends,” the Telecoms Industry Risk Management Conference is a gathering that brings together various stakeholders including risk experts, academia, financial institutions, and professionals in telecommunications.