NCC Calls For Exercise Of Authority, Control Over Mining, Usage Of Data 

According to him, as we embrace the transformative potential of 5G, we must also prioritize safety concerns.

News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) has called for the exercise of authority and control over data mining and usage to increase data value and minimize data-related costs and risks.

The Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta, made the call in his keynote address at the Nigeria Digital Sense Forum organized by ITRealm in Lagos on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum had the theme: “5G: Data Governance, Safety and Security in Nigeria”.

Danbatta was represented by Dr. Chukwudi Diugu, Head of New Media and Information Security, NCC.

The EVC said that data is critical to the digital economy, and all must prioritize building robust legal frameworks for data governance.

According to him, as we embrace the transformative potential of 5G, we must also prioritize safety concerns.

He said that the amount and speed of data generated using 5G technology were unprecedented, so the need always to prioritize 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.

According to him, we must consider the challenges that come with it, particularly in protecting user data privacy and safety.

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 about the commission of any offense 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.

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 the successful implementation of 5G technology also depended on a collective commitment to data governance, safety, and security.

The EVC said that 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.

The President of Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Prof. Adesina Shodiya, as the Chairman of the occasion, said that all should ensure the safe use of the internet and technology.

Shodiya said one must consider using it to enhance career, irrespective of the profession.

He, however, emphasized 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.

Uzor highlighted advocacy, active digital citizenship, monitoring and accountability, and digital inclusion, among others, as roles of citizens.

In his welcome address, 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 Nweke, the stakeholders in the country come together to discuss and proffer solutions to improving challenges around internet governance, security, and the socio-economic impact of internet usage.

He said the focus was on students, youths, women, and community-based organizations.