By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) has called for the exercise of authority as well as control over the mining and usage of data to increase the value of data and minimise data-related costs and risks.
The Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Mr Umar Danbatta, made the call in his keynote address at the Nigeria Digital Sense Forum organised by ITRealm in Lagos on Thursday at a forum themed 5G: Data Governance, Safety and Security in Nigeria.
Mr Danbatta, represented by Dr Chukwudi Diugu, the Head of New Media and Information Security at NCC, said that data is critical to the digital economy and all must prioritise building robust legal frameworks for data governance.
He said that the amount and speed of data generated using 5G technology were unprecedented; as such, the need to always prioritise consumer privacy, transparency and ethical data use.
“By cultivating trust and handling data responsibly, we can unlock the full potential of 5G technology and promote innovation in Nigeria.
“We know Nigeria is a highly technology-driven country, and the advent of 5G technology has opened up immense opportunities and challenges, especially regarding data governance, safety, and security.
“While 5G technology has enhanced capabilities that will provide superior communications services for the socio-economic development of Nigeria and facilitate the attainment of a National Digital Economy,’’ he said.
He said, “We must consider the challenges that come with it, particularly in protecting user data privacy and safety.
Mr Danbatta said that to ensure the security and protection of networks and consumers, the NCC Act mandates its licensees to prevent their network facilities or services from being used.
The EVC said that the act prevented licensees’ networks from being used in, or in relation to, the commission of any offence under any law in operation in Nigeria.
He said that licensees were required to assist the Commission and other law enforcement agencies in preventing crime in Nigeria.
Mr Danbatta said that NCC is committed to fostering a culture of safety and security while rolling out the 5G technology.
He says it is achieved through ethical data governance practices, robust security measures, and regulatory frameworks.
He said that the successful implementation of 5G technology also depended on a collective commitment to data governance, safety, and security.
The EVC said that in order to build a safer, secure, and more inclusive digital ecosystem, all must work collaboratively, including government, regulators, operators, service providers, and individual users, to create a secure and sustainable environment for this technology to thrive.
He, however, appreciated the attention, presence at the event and partnership in a collective effort to harness the full potential of 5G technology for Nigeria’s development.
On his part, the President of Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Mr Adesina Shodiya, as the Chairman of the occasion, said that all should ensure the safe use of the internet and technology.
Mr Shodiya said that one must think of how to use it to enhance career, irrespective of the profession.
He, however, emphasised that no system was devoid of attacks, but it was important to be conscious while using technology and the internet.
In his presentation on 5G Open Access and the Role of Citizens, the Chief Executive Officer of Wisdom Computers, Mr Francis Uzor, highlighted the roles of citizens.
Adding his input, the Lead Consulting Strategist of Digital Sense Africa, Mr Remmy Nweke, said that the forum, in its 14th edition, had remained an annual rallying point for internet stakeholders.
According to Mr Nweke, the stakeholders in the country come together to discuss and proffer solutions to improving challenges around internet governance, security and socio-economic impact of internet usage.
