Nijerya NCC Chairman: Digital Economy is Built on Telephone Numbers and Trust

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Chairman and CEO of the Nijerya Communications Commission (NCC), outlined his country's strategy for securing its digital public infrastructure. Maida emphasized that the mobile phone number is no longer just a simple communication tool. Today, phone numbers function as an essential key providing access to vital areas such as banking, public services, healthcare, education, and commerce. In this context, the NCC has adopted an approach centered on the security and verifiability of phone numbers. The official stated that this strategy directly affects the resilience of the country's digital economy. These statements were made during a presentation on building secure digital infrastructure at the WSIS 2026 Leaders' TalkX session.

Maida listed trusted identity, trusted networks, and trusted markets as the three core pillars forming Nijerya's digital security approach. He noted that the joint operation of these three elements is essential for the sustainability of the digital economy. Speaking on identity verification, the NCC Chairman stated that the Telecommunications Identity Registration Management System (TIRMS) plays a vital role. He explained that thanks to the TIRMS platform, authorized institutions can securely verify the identity of the person behind any phone number. He added that this system strengthens accountability and helps reduce digital fraud.

In the context of network security and resilience, Maida reminded that the Communications Sector Cyber Resilience Framework has been implemented. Furthermore, he emphasized that the Presidential Decree designating telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) holds great importance. He noted that these two steps enable the government, industry representatives, and other stakeholders to conduct a coordinated effort. He stated that their goal is to continuously enhance the security of Nijerya's communications infrastructure. He expressed that this initiative aims to make the country's network infrastructure more resilient against cyber threats.

Regarding trust in digital markets, Maida pointed out that consumer and investor confidence rely on distinct yet closely related conditions. He stated that the fundamental elements consumers need are reliable, affordable services and effective complaint resolution mechanisms. From the investors' perspective, he noted that a transparent, predictable, and stable regulatory environment is critical for the courage to invest. He emphasized that achieving this balance will both grow the market and strengthen the digital economy. He mentioned that a holistic policy is being pursued, where consumer protection and meeting investor expectations are considered together.

Evaluating his speech, the NCC CEO stated that this framework can be summarized as a single chain of dependencies. He noted that a resilient digital public infrastructure ultimately relies on the harmonious operation of trusted identities, trusted networks, and trusted markets. He added that these steps taken by Nijerya form a foundation for the masses to confidently access digital financial services. He stated that the central role of mobile communications in the country's economic development is further solidified with these strategies. Maida concluded his speech by emphasizing that they aim to set an exemplary model by raising Nijerya's security standards in the global digital society.