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NCC reinforces need for collaboration to mitigate risks ahead future technologies
The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has reinforced the need for collaboration, innovation and proactive action to mitigate emerging risks ahead of 6G deployment and beyond.
Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, spoke at a two-day Telecoms Industry Risk Management conference, held in Lagos with the theme, “Evolution and Future Risk Management in the Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Trends.”
Aminu, who was represented by Mr Ubale Maska, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, said taking proactive measures ahead of the introduction of 6G would ensure seamless integration of the technology.
He explained that to navigate this dynamic environment, the need for effective risk management was increasingly paramount.
According to the NCC boss, “While we discuss the current landscape of 5G networks, which boast of wider attack surface due to the increased number of connected devices and denser network infrastructure, it is imperative to even cast our gaze into the future.
“We are witnessing the dawn of 6G technology, the next frontier in wireless communication. With promises of even faster speeds, lower latency, and groundbreaking applications, 6G has the potential to revolutionize the way we experience connectivity. However, with this advancement comes the responsibility to address new risks, from cybersecurity threats to ethical considerations, ensuring that we pave the way for a secure and inclusive digital future.”
He stressed that “looking beyond, the prospect of 7G technology also looms on the horizon.”
For him, “as we contemplate the possibilities, we must acknowledge that with each generational leap, we face not only technological advancements but also a fresh set of challenges.”
Thus, he said: “Anticipating and managing risks associated with 7G will require collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach to ensure the seamless integration of this technology into our interconnected world.
“In addition to the evolution of connectivity, we must consider the implications of emerging technologies such as quantum technologies (computing, sensing, and communications), advanced artificial intelligence, and Block Chain (distributed ledger) technologies. These trends, when harnessed effectively, hold the potential to transform our industry positively. However, they also introduce complexities that demand careful consideration in our risk management strategies.”
However, he maintained that the NCC remains committed to fostering an environment that encourages innovation while prioritising the security and stability of our telecom infrastructure.
“As we navigate through 5G and the uncharted territory of the next generations of wireless technologies, collaborative efforts among regulators, industry players, and other stakeholders become even more crucial for sharing best practices, threat intelligence, resources and implementing robust risk management strategies.
“We should therefore move beyond mere compliance and reactive measures, and instead, harness the power of these new technologies and trends to build a resilient and future-proof industry,” he further stressed.
Maida maintained that “building a culture of risk awareness is paramount. As an industry, we must empower our people with the knowledge and skills to proactively identify and report risks and embed security awareness and risk management practices throughout our business processes. Emerging technologies such as AI should be leveraged to generate data-driven insights needed to predict, detect, and respond to risks in real-time. We should also monitor evolving threats and vulnerabilities on a continuous basis and streamline incidence response processes to build a resilient telecom industry.”
Also, the Head of Corporate Planning, Strategies and Risk Management, NCC, Mr Kelechi Nwankwo, said the fast-disruptive world of the telecoms industry had witnessed convergence of diverse technological advancements with the potential of reshaping the future.
He, however, said with great opportunities came great risks, adding that it was the collective responsibility of stakeholders to address the risks and possibly safeguard the industry’s growth and sustainability.
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