The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) have called for stronger collaboration, advanced digital infrastructure, and updated legal frameworks to counter emerging cyber threats amplified by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Speaking on Tuesday at the 2nd International Cybersecurity Conference (ICSC) in Abuja—themed “Cyber Resilience in the Age of AI: Defending Minds, Networks and Nation”—NCC Executive Vice-Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida warned that AI has dramatically increased the speed, scale, and sophistication of cyberattacks.
Maida highlighted growing risks including automated credential attacks, AI-driven phishing, self-modifying malware, and deepfakes designed to bypass financial and security authentication systems.
“Cyber resilience goes beyond preventing attacks; it involves developing the capacity to anticipate, withstand, and recover from disruptions while ensuring the continuity of essential services,” Maida said.
To tackle these emerging threats, the NCC Chief outlined three priority pillars:
Protecting Minds: Enhancing public cybersecurity awareness.
Securing Networks: Enforcing robust architecture, including mandatory Zero Trust frameworks for telecom operators.
Defending the Nation: Strengthening cross-sector collaboration between regulators, financial institutions, and security agencies.
Maida added that the NCC Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) continues to monitor threats and coordinate sector-wide defenses alongside the National Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT).
Also speaking at the event, National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu—represented by Prof. Gerald Ilukwe—revealed that a review of Nigeria’s 2021 National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy is currently underway to address AI-enabled fraud and supply-chain vulnerabilities.
Ribadu urged citizens and institutions to verify suspicious digital requests and warned that a single vulnerability in a third-party technology provider could compromise critical national infrastructure.
Corroborating the call, Rep. Ayodeji Stanley, Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, emphasized that cybersecurity is a moving target requiring continuous legislative reform, cross-sector protection (including food security systems), and international cooperation.
