Cyberthreats on the Rise: Nigeria’s Digital Battle Under the NCC’s Watchful Eye

As Nigeria deepens its digital transformation, the country finds itself increasingly exposed to a wave of sophisticated cyberthreats that challenge the resilience of its communication infrastructure and national security. Over the last few years, the surge in cyberattacks has forced regulators, led by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to evolve from passive policy implementers to active defenders of the country’s digital frontlines.

A look back reveals just how far the country has come, and how far it still has to go.

A Wake-Up Call in the Digital Age

In the early 2020s, Nigeria witnessed a dramatic increase in cyber incidents. From phishing scams and ransomware attacks to coordinated assaults on government servers and telecom infrastructure, the threats quickly escalated from nuisance-level to matters of national concern.

By mid-2022, one incident stood out: a failed but deeply concerning attempt to breach a major Tier-1 telecom operator’s system. Though foiled, the attempted breach sent shockwaves through the regulatory community and reinforced what experts had long feared, Nigeria’s digital defenses were not keeping pace with the growing sophistication of cybercriminals.

The NCC, long tasked with ensuring stability in the telecom sector, realized that regulatory oversight alone would not suffice. It needed to lead a coordinated national response.

Laying the Foundation for Cyber Resilience

In response, the Commission intensified its cybersecurity initiatives. One of its earliest moves was the establishment of the Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) to monitor, detect, and coordinate responses to cyber threats targeting critical telecom infrastructure. In addition, the NCC introduced Cybersecurity Guidelines for Telecom Operators, compelling industry stakeholders to adopt basic cyber hygiene practices and technical safeguards.

These actions marked a shift from reactive to proactive regulation. But experts pointed out that Nigeria’s cybersecurity challenge was as much about awareness and capacity-building as it was about enforcement.

Recognizing this, the NCC under the leadership of its current Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, expanded its mandate. It launched a nationwide cyber hygiene campaign aimed at educating telecom consumers and businesses on identifying and preventing cyber threats. It also began work on a Unified Risk Management Framework to standardize how telecoms assess and mitigate digital risks.

An Evolving Threat Landscape

Despite these efforts, cyberthreats have not relented. According to an NCC internal report released in early 2025, cyber intrusion attempts in Nigeria have risen by 48% in just the first quarter of the year. The report highlights a shift toward more advanced tactics, including the use of AI-generated phishing, deepfake impersonations, and malware targeting cloud-based systems.

In response, the NCC has strengthened alliances with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The goal: a whole-of-government approach to cybersecurity.

The Road Ahead: From Framework to Culture

While the NCC’s regulatory frameworks have laid the groundwork for a more secure digital ecosystem, the broader task of embedding cybersecurity into Nigeria’s digital culture remains ongoing.

Analysts argue that it’s time for a new phase, one that includes:

• Mandatory cybersecurity certifications for telecom firms and ISPs.
• Incentives for private sector investment in cyber defense and innovation.
• Capacity-building programs to train the next generation of Nigerian cyber experts.
• Public awareness drives that reach beyond corporate offices into communities and schools.

According to a public affairs analyst and media consultant specializing in tech and regulatory policy reporting, the question is no longer whether cyber threats will strike, but how prepared the country is when they do.

As Nigeria positions itself as Africa’s digital economy hub, the stakes have never been higher. The NCC has taken bold steps in the right direction, but this journey demands shared responsibility.

Securing Nigeria’s digital space will require more than regulations, it will require a national cybersecurity culture, sustained political will, and a commitment to building digital trust across every level of society.

The battle is ongoing. But with the right strategy and unified resolve, Nigeria has a fighting chance to win it.

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