Nigerian Communications Commission has launched a new cybersecurity framework based on the Zero Trust model to strengthen the security and resilience of the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure.

The initiative is aimed at protecting critical networks against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

The move is coming as a response to the rapid expansion of 5G networks, IoT devices, and AI-driven threats. Traditional security models were no longer sufficient to protect a landscape where millions of interconnected devices create countless points of vulnerability.

Under the Zero Trust approach, every user, device, and connection must be continuously verified before access is granted, rather than assuming safety simply because they are within the network perimeter. This strategy is intended to prevent attackers from moving laterally within networks in the event of a breach.

The Cyber Resilience Framework for the Nigerian Communications Sector provides detailed guidance and standards for all licensed telecom operators, Internet service providers, and digital infrastructure companies.

Operators are required to integrate advanced cybersecurity measures into their operations, establish incident response protocols, appoint cybersecurity officers, and implement continuous risk management and verification controls.

The framework also mandates the establishment of a sector-wide Security Operations Centre under the NCC’s Computer Security Incident Response Team. The centre will facilitate coordinated monitoring, threat intelligence sharing, and rapid response across operators to protect services including Internet connectivity, digital identity platforms, and emergency communications.

Telecom companies have been given 12 months to comply with the framework. The NCC will monitor implementation through a new Cyber Capability Index, which evaluates how effectively operators meet the required cybersecurity standards.

According to the commission, the framework reflects the growing importance of securing Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure, which serves millions of subscribers and underpins the country’s digital economy.
MEANWHILE, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has warned content creators and indeed Nigerians against violating other people’s privacy.

NDPC said its attention had been drawn to the activities of individuals who take pictures and video footage of unsuspecting members of the public and share the same on social media platforms.