The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has established a new Internet Governance Working Group to strengthen online safety, tackle digital fraud and address emerging risks associated with artificial intelligence in Nigeria.
The initiative was unveiled at the commission’s inaugural Internet Governance Symposium 2026, held in Lagos on Thursday, October 15. The development was reported on Saturday, October 17, as concerns continue to grow over online scams, privacy violations and the misuse of digital technologies.
According to a report by AFP carried by eNews, the working group is intended to provide a platform where telecommunications operators, regulators, technical experts and other stakeholders can work together to develop practical responses to challenges facing Nigeria’s digital space.
The commission said internet governance has become increasingly important as digital services influence how Nigerians communicate, conduct business, access education and find employment.
Online fraud remains a concern for individuals and businesses that depend on digital platforms for financial transactions and everyday activities. Scammers frequently exploit trust, impersonate legitimate organisations or use deceptive messages to persuade people to disclose sensitive information.
The growing use of artificial intelligence has introduced additional concerns. Although AI can support business operations, education and communication, it can also be misused to create deceptive content, impersonate individuals and make fraudulent messages appear more convincing.
The NCC said the new working group would encourage cooperation among relevant stakeholders rather than leaving individual institutions to tackle these problems independently.
A major part of the initiative will involve identifying priority issues, improving communication among stakeholders and developing coordinated approaches to emerging online threats.
The commission also highlighted the Internet Code of Practice 2026 and the Cyber Resilience Framework for the Nigeria Communication Sector as important measures supporting responsible online conduct and stronger digital infrastructure.
For ordinary Nigerians, the effectiveness of these efforts could have implications for how safely they use social media, online banking, messaging applications and other internet-based services.
Small businesses that rely on digital payments and online customer communication could also benefit from stronger protections against fraud and cyberattacks. However, the success of the initiative will depend on how effectively its recommendations are implemented and whether users receive clear guidance on protecting themselves online.
The NCC’s move reflects a broader need for collaboration between government agencies, technology companies and internet users as digital threats continue to evolve.
Nigerians are still encouraged to avoid sharing passwords and verification codes, verify suspicious payment requests independently and report suspected scams through appropriate channels.
The establishment of the working group marks a new step in Nigeria’s efforts to improve internet governance, but its long-term impact will depend on whether the collaboration produces practical improvements in online safety and accountability.
