NCC Initiates Measures To Secure Nigeria’s Cyber Space Against Attacks

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has initiated the establishment of Internet Industry Code of Practice as part of measures to secure Nigeria’s cyber space against cyber threats and attacks.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ consultation forum in Abuja at the weekend, Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, said the Commission, in accordance with its mandate to regulate the communications sector in Nigeria as expressed in the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, set out to establish the Internet Code of Practice to clearly define the rights and obligations of Internet Access Service Providers, put measures in place that would safeguard and protect minors, vulnerable audience and consumers in general.

He noted that the global perspective is that the internet be open and unregulated to foster creativity and increase access, adding that the propositions are for either self-regulation or government regulation (in repressive economies) as both have their advantages and disadvantages.

He stressed the need for co-regulatory efforts as it relates to the internet in Nigeria, hence the need for extensive public consultation and incorporation of the stakeholders’ feedback into the final document of the Internet Industry Code of Practice.

While commenting on the benefits and disadvantages of the Internet, Danbatta said: “The Internet was designed to facilitate communication across different networks and jurisdictions.

“The liberalisation of the industry and rate of evolution in mobile telecommunications has led to an increase in the use and dependence on the solutions/services that ride on it; it is a key driver of innovation and technological advancement.

“It is important to know that Sub-Saharan Africa loses 0.07-0.20 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to cyber-crimes as stated by the Internet Society.”

Source: Independent.