The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has urged Nigerians to prioritise privacy of the consumers’ data and maintain its ethical use always to unlock the full potential of the fifth generation, 5G network.
Speaking at the 2023 Nigeria DigitalSense Forum on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) organised by an online publication, ITRealms with a theme: ‘Data Governance, Safety, and Security in Nigeria’ held in Lagos, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta, in his keynote address, said that the advent of 5G technology has opened up immense opportunities and challenges, especially regarding data governance, safety, and security, pointing out that the amount and speed of data generated using 5G technologies is unprecedented
Professor Danbatta who was represented by the Head, New Media and Information Security Commission, Dr. Chuckwudi Diugu, noted that While 5G technology has enhanced capabilities that provide superior communications services for the socio-economic development of Nigeria and facilitate attainment of a National Digital Economy; the challenges that come with it particularly in protecting user data privacy and safety must be considered.
He explained that Data is critical to the digital economy, and must prioritized by building robust legal frameworks for data governance as this calls for exercise of authority and control over mining and usage of data; the purpose being to increase value of data and minimize data related costs and risks.
While emphasizing the need to always prioritize consumer privacy, transparency and ethical data use by cultivating trust and handling data responsibly , Professor Danbatta stressed the need to unlock the full potential of 5G technology and promote innovation in Nigeria.
The NCC boss said to ensure the security and protection of networks and consumers, the Nigerian Communications Act mandates its licensees to prevent their network facilities or services from being used in, or in relation to, the commission of any offence under any law in operation in Nigeria
In a welcome speech, the , Executive Editor of ITrealms media, Mr Remmy Nweke, said that this year’s topic on 5G was to motivate attention on the role of data governance, safety and security as 5G becomes the next big thing in the growing telecoms sector.
