The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has called for a trust-driven approach to developing the nation’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), warning that sustainability of the digital economy hinges on stakeholder confidence.
Speaking at the WSIS 2026 Leaders’ TalkX, Maida emphasised the transformative role of mobile phone numbers, which now function as essential digital identifiers across banking, government services, healthcare, education, and commerce.
Nigeria’s strategy for protecting this critical infrastructure rests on three pillars: trust in identity, trust in networks, and trust in markets, he explained.
On identity management, Maida cited the Telecoms Industry Risk Management System (TIRMS), which allows authorised institutions to securely verify mobile number-associated identities, thereby strengthening accountability and curbing fraud.
Regarding network security, he referenced the Communications Sector Cyber Resilience Framework and the Presidential Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), noting that both measures bolster resilience through coordinated stakeholder action.
Maida stressed the necessity of a stable market environment, where consumers benefit from reliable, affordable services and effective redress, while investors rely on transparent regulation to sustain confidence and drive investment.
“Resilient DPI depends on trusted identities, trusted networks, and trusted markets,” he affirmed.
The NCC chief reiterated the Commission’s commitment to policies that reinforce digital trust, enhance service delivery, and support the long-term expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy.
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