The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) has called for more control over the mining and usage of data to increase its value and minimise data-related costs and risks. The Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, made the call during the Nigeria Digital Sense Forum held in Lagos on Thursday. The forum aimed to explore the theme, “5G: Data Governance, Safety and Security in Nigeria.”
Danbatta, represented by Dr Chukwudi Diugu, the Head of New Media and Information Security of NCC, emphasised the critical role that data plays in digital economies. He urged for the prioritisation of building robust legal frameworks for data governance as well as safety concerns while embracing the transformative potential of 5G technology.
According to Danbatta, 5G technology has opened up opportunities for Nigeria’s socio-economic development, but it also poses challenges, especially relating to data governance, safety and security. Therefore, he called for efforts in protecting user data privacy and safety to maximise its potential, cultivate trust and promote innovation in Nigeria.
Danbatta noted that the NCC Act mandated licensees to prevent their network facilities or services from being used in connection with any law in operation in Nigeria. This is to ensure the security and protection of networks and consumers. He pointed out that licensees were required to prevent the commission of any offence under any law, thereby assisting the commission and law enforcement agencies in preventing crime in Nigeria.
Danbatta said that the successful adoption and implementation of 5G technology would depend on collective commitment to data governance, safety and security. He called for collaborative efforts among government, regulators, operators, service providers, and individual users to create a secure and sustainable environment for the technology to thrive.
The Chairman of Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Prof. Adesina Shodiya, also emphasised the importance of safe practices while using the internet and technology during the event. Meanwhile, other speakers at the event called for greater advocacy for active digital citizenship, monitoring and accountability, and digital inclusion, among other key issues.
