The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders in the telecommunications industry to ensure inclusiveness and partnership, in line with its strategic focus.
The executive vice chairman of the commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta expressed this commitment while receiving a delegation from Food Basket Foundation International (FBFI) led by its CEO, Funmi Akinyele.
Akinyele commended the commission’s regulatory excellence and highlighted its efforts to regulate the telecoms sector and online civic space, but expressed concerns about the uncontrolled content on social media. She visited the regulator to explore areas of collaboration in the FBFI’s programme to safeguard the digital civic space, particularly in mitigating risks to electoral integrity before, during and after the 2023 general elections.
While acknowledging the concerns raised by Akinyele, the commission’s director of public affairs, Reuben Muoka clarified that the commission is not responsible for the content of social media as other government agencies handle that.
However, he explained that the commission has taken steps towards protecting users of the internet, including child online protection initiatives, deploying the Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) to monitor cyber-attacks and establishing a department of New Media and Information Security to address cybersecurity issues.
Muoka emphasised the commission’s commitment to inclusiveness, consultation and collaboration with stakeholders to enrich the quality of regulations and ensure that consumers and stakeholders understand what is going on in the industry. He also invited FBFI to partner with the NCC in carrying out enlightenment campaigns to educate telecom consumers on their roles and responsibilities in using the internet and telecommunication platforms safely to counter misuse and abuse.
In conclusion, the NCC has renewed its commitment to industry collaboration and inclusiveness.
A statement signed by Muoka restated the commission’s dedication to regulating the telecoms sector and online civic space, providing solid infrastructure and ensuring general industry regulations. While the commission is not responsible for social media content, it has taken steps towards protecting users of the internet and is open to collaborating with stakeholders to safeguard the digital civic space and educate telecom consumers on their roles and responsibilities.
