Telecom
NCC to Establish Computer Security Response Teams for Telecoms
Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed plans to set up Computer Security Incidence Response Teams (CSIRT) exclusively for the telecommunications sector.
The Commission which also played a key role in its collaboration with Law Enforcement Agencies, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) towards the establishment of the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team coordination center (ngCERT) believes that with 152 million active lines in 2016 and 97 million internet users across compared to 400,000 active telephone lines in 2001, cybersecurity has become an essential component of human activity with Its high level of complexity requires action at different levels.
This was disclosed in a keynote speech by Professor Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of the NCC titled, Building Resilience in Critical Cybersecurity Infrastructure,’ delivered at 2016 Cybersecurity Awareness Month organized by the United States Embassy in Lagos on Thursday, adding that the current scale and growth of ICT applications transcends all spheres of social and economic boundaries worldwide.
The EVC who was represented by Mr. Tony Ojobo, director, Public Affairs at the NCC, said that whether it is broadcasting (digital TV) or social networking, e-Commerce (mobile banking and financial services), e-Governance (government services management, e- education, e-health, e-taxation, etc), governments, institutions and the society in general are increasingly embracing these technologies and at the same time becoming exposed to vulnerabilities of cyber-attacks.
“As we approach the end of the second decade of the twenty-first century, the challenges of a secure Cyberspace is becoming more daunting as threat actors are becoming more resourceful (both in terms of skillsets, competencies and available technologies), more brazen and determined to inflict maximal damage to their victims (who may be individuals, corporate organizations, enterprises, or even nations), and more pervasive in terms of their profiles.
“The advent of embedded and wearable technologies, internet of Things (IoT) and other advanced Information and Communication Technologies has made cyber incidents to have greater effects in our physical world ; it is no longer just about money and data – however important these are – it is also about lives.
“Hence, both technical measures and appropriate legal instruments must be put in place to enhance the resilience of cybersecurity infrastructure and safeguard cyberspace users.
“It is also important to note that the vast majority of the nation’s communication infrastructure resides in private hands. The risks to national and economic security associated with the compromise or failure of these assets mean that their protection requires concerted public-private partnership efforts.
“Obviously, the enhancement of Cybersecurity resilience will therefore depend on the level of synergy and cooperation of all stakeholders involved in combating cybercrimes.
He said that the Commission and country in general, is committed to fostering and engendering a robust Cybersecurity environment for users in the Cyberspace.
“The NCC was actively involved and participated in all the collaborative processes that culminated in fashioning out the following national frameworks by the Federal Government:- National Cyber Security Policy; National Cyber Security Strategy and The Cybercrimes ACT, 2015.
“The Commission also played a key role in its collaboration with Law Enforcement Agencies, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) towards the establishment of the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team coordination center, ngCERT, which serves as the single national point of contact for international coordination of cybersecurity incidents in Nigeria.
“The Nigerian Communications Commission believes and supports the approach taken by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) urging all sector regulators to set up Computer Security Incidence Response Teams (CSIRTs) that will collaborate and work with the ngCERT in tackling cyber threats and vulnerabilities, thereby forming an effective and well-coordinated national CERT ecosystem. It is in this line that the Commission is establishing a Cyber Security Incidence Response Team (CSIRT) exclusively for the telecommunications sector.
“The sectorial CSIRT will complement the ngCERT by handling and coordinating cybersecurity incidences in the telecommunications sector. The NCC CSIRT, when established, will facilitate intervention, swift identification of threats/vulnerabilities and sharing of valuable information and resources to assist in fortifying the resilience of the national cybersecurity infrastructure.
He said that the NCC CSIRT will take cognizance of the country’s pervasive use of, and reliance on, mobile and cloud technologies, including current advances in mobile “smart phones” capabilities and corresponding vulnerabilities, to develop and nurturehome grown Cyber Security Solutions that will protect critical national information infrastructural support the fight against Cybercrimes and terrorism and foster confidence in the nations’ economic / financial systems.
“The Commission is also partnering with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to establish (here in Nigeria) a Regional Cybersecurity Center (RCC) for Africa. The center, which will be sited in Abuja, will provide support in the area of technical manpower training, information sharing and other collaborative roles with local CERTs in the African region.
“The fight against cybercrimes is currently beyond socio-political and economic exigencies, hence there is greater need to form strategic partnerships and collaborative alliances with stakeholder Agencies, Organizations, and Jurisdictions with the objective of forming a common front to combat and contain the menace of Cybercrimes in all its ramifications and manifestations in our society.
“The dynamic nature of cyber-terrorism threats demand that our capabilities be continually refined and adapted to provide the most effective response. Education and general public awareness is a key part of this requirement,” he added.
Nigeria has exactly 156,662 active fixed wired internet subscriptions as of mid-2026.
This is a tiny fraction compared to mobile GSM networks, which dominate the market with over 154 million subscribers.
The fixed wired market primarily consists of homes and offices using direct physical cables like fiber optics.
Fixed wired services use physical cables, like glass fiber or copper wire, to bring internet directly into a building.
It is like a dedicated, private water pipe for your home. It provides very fast speeds, unlimited data, and is reliable.
In contrast, mobile GSM uses radio waves transmitted from tall towers to phones, acting more like a sprinkler that sprays a signal across an entire neighborhood.
Because laying physical cables across cities is expensive and hard to do, these subscriptions are very rare.
However, the market has seen recent growth, driven largely by Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) services.
The top players are: MTN FibreX with 110,564 subscribers, which is roughly 88.7 per cent of the entire market.
SWIFTNG accounts for about 13,945 connections.
The others are ipNX and 21st Century Technologies which make up the number.
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that it was strengthening collaboration with state governments and industry players to develop a transparent, cost-based pricing framework for sharing telecom ducts as part of efforts to speed up broadband expansion across Nigeria.
Ayuba Shuaibu, director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, NCC, disclosed this at the Stakeholders’ Forum in Abuja.
Shuaibu said the initiative was designed to build consensus among all parties.
“The primary purpose of this forum is to ensure seamless synergy between the Commission and all stakeholders,” he said.
The director said the consultation was prompted by longstanding complaints over permits, levies and other charges imposed by different levels of government.
He said bringing together state commissioners, telecom operators, tower companies and representatives of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum had helped improve understanding of the issues.
“This engagement is a work in progress. We expect more input from stakeholders before presenting the outcome to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum,” he added.
Dr Helen Adeneye, commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Kogi State. welcomed the consultation, saying Nigeria needs a harmonised policy that clearly defines the responsibilities of both the federal and state governments.
“We need a harmonised policy that allows states to collaborate better with telecom operators and creates a more business-friendly environment,” she said.
Dr Adeneye added that adopting the Dig-Once policy would establish a uniform pricing system and help resolve disputes over charges for telecom infrastructure deployment.
Chidi Ajuzie, chief executive officer, WTES Projects Limited, whose firm is conducting the consultancy study, said the proposed framework would introduce a common cost structure for duct sharing to support broadband investment and economic growth.
“The study is designed to create a uniform pricing model that will drive broadband growth, economic development and wider adoption across the country,” he said.
Ajuzie explained that the consultants had developed preliminary floor and ceiling prices to guide operators while allowing flexibility within the approved range.
He added that the recommendations remain open to industry input before the NCC finalises the framework.
The Dig-Once Policy is designed to reduce the cost and disruption of deploying broadband infrastructure by requiring fibre ducts to be installed whenever roads are constructed or rehabilitated.
The NCC is developing a cost-based pricing framework for sharing these ducts to promote fair pricing, reduce duplication of infrastructure and encourage investment.
The proposed model is expected to support the Federal Government’s broadband expansion targets while improving collaboration between telecom operators and state governments.
Telecom
MUSON Graduates Shine at 2026 Concert as MTN Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of Music Scholarships
Emeka Nwodike, acting director of the MUSON School of Music, conducted the institution’s graduating class in a grand finale performance, bringing the 2026 graduation concert to a memorable close. The concert took place on July 7 at the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
The event celebrated students who successfully completed the MUSON Diploma Programme through the MTN Foundation Scholarship Programme.
The graduating students delivered a rich choral repertoire that reflected the breadth of their musical training, performing Italian Salad by Richard Genee, My Song by Eriks Esenvalds, Obi Dimkpa by Laz Ekwueme, and an ABBA Medley arranged by Goran Bejstam. Under the Acting Director’s baton, the choir demonstrated technical precision, vocal maturity and artistic expression before an audience of family members, music enthusiasts and industry stakeholders.
The concert formed part of the long-running partnership between the MTN Foundation and the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), which has, since 2006, provided scholarships for hundreds of talented young Nigerians to receive formal music education through the MUSON Diploma School. The programme continues to serve as one of the country’s foremost platforms for developing professional musicians and strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy.
Speaking at the close of the concert, Nwodike expressed appreciation to the MTN Foundation for its sustained support of the scholarship programme over the past two decades. He also thanked the Director of the MUSON Centre, faculty members, mentors and other stakeholders whose dedication has contributed to the school’s continued success.
“For nearly 20 years, the MTN Foundation has remained a steadfast partner in our mission to nurture young musical talent. We are deeply grateful for that commitment. I also want to thank the Director of the MUSON Centre, our faculty, mentors and everyone whose dedication has helped the MUSON School of Music continue to grow and thrive. Their support has made this programme what it is today, and our graduates are a testament to that collective effort,” he said.
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