The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida, has outlined Nigeria’s strategy for building a secure and resilient Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), anchored on trust in identity, networks, and markets.
Mr Maida spoke during the WSIS 2026 Leaders’ TalkX, where he highlighted the evolving role of mobile phone numbers as critical enablers of digital services.
He said mobile numbers have become essential digital identifiers, providing access to banking, government services, healthcare, education, and commerce.
“As our lives become increasingly digital, the mobile phone number is no longer just a tool for communication; it is now central to how citizens access essential services,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s approach to safeguarding this critical layer of its digital ecosystem is guided by a trust-based framework.
On identity, Mr Maida said the Telecoms Industry Risk Management System (TIRMS) allows authorised institutions to verify the identities linked to mobile numbers, improving accountability and helping to reduce fraud.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen network resilience through the Communications Sector Cyber Resilience Framework and the implementation of the Presidential Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). These measures, he said, are aimed at protecting communications infrastructure through coordinated action among government, operators, and other stakeholders.
Mr Maida further stressed the importance of a predictable regulatory environment, noting that consumers require reliable and affordable services, as well as effective mechanisms for redress, while investors need regulatory clarity to sustain confidence.
He said building resilient Digital Public Infrastructure requires sustained commitment to trust across all components of the ecosystem.
“Ultimately, resilient DPI depends on trusted identities, trusted networks, and trusted markets,” he said.
Mr Maida reiterated the NCC’s commitment to strengthening regulatory frameworks that support secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital development in Nigeria.
