June 22, 2023

The Nigeria Communications Commission has urged telecoms providers to implement multi-layered security measures to combat e-fraud.

The Executive Vice Chairman, EVC, of the NCC, Umar Garba Danbatta stated this on Thursday at the Second Quarter Industry Consumer Advisory Forum(ICAF) themed: ‘Combating E-Fraud on Telecom Platform: Building Consumer Confidence In The Digital Economy.

According to the EVC in his keynote address, “as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology, we must address the growing concern of fraudulent activities in the digital realm and take proactive measures to safeguard the trust and confidence of consumers”.

He noted that with the advancements in technology comes new challenges, one of which is the rising tide of e-fraud and cybersecurity concerns.

“The NCC as the regulator of the communications sector has a crucial role to play in combating e-fraud.

“We must establish comprehensive legal frameworks and standards that mandate sound security practices for telecom operators.

“The legal framework must focus on data protection, privacy and incident response, ensuring that operators are held accountable for any lapses in security on their respective networks,” he said.

Danbatta reiterated the fact that digital technology offers Nigeria the opportunity to grow and diversify its economy from the overdependence on agriculture or oil and gas export proceeds.

“The launch of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020 – 2025 as well as the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020 – 2030 (NDEPS) attests to the fact that Nigeria is poised to join the comity of nations and become a global leader in transforming its economy into a digital one.

“Combating e-fraud on telecom platforms and building consumer confidence in the digital economy requires a collective effort.

Danbatta therefore added that Telecom operators, regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and consumers must collaborate, each fulfilling their respective responsibilities.