Nigeria's NCC launches Internet Governance Working Group

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has inaugurated an Internet Governance Working Group to foster collaboration among telecommunications operators, internet service providers, and other stakeholders. The group aims to provide a structured platform for dialogue regarding Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and the implementation of the Internet Code of Practice (ICOP) 2026.

This initiative follows a survey conducted by the NCC which revealed significant readiness gaps among licensees. Of the 19 licensees assessed, only two were fully prepared to implement the 2026 code, while several others reported being unprepared. Key challenges identified by the commission include cybersecurity obligations and provisions related to artificial intelligence (AI).

During the NCC Internet Governance Symposium 2026, Mary Uduma, Director of Digital Solutions Limited, West Africa, emphasized the need for a multi-stakeholder model. She argued that while the internet is global, governance must be locally responsive to ensure Nigeria shapes rather than merely consumes future global internet policies. The NCC plans to support licensees through implementation guidelines, workshops, and frequently asked questions to improve compliance and digital confidence.