The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) announced that it will step up interaction with key players in the telecom sector, such as media executives, to examine the current operating standards and propose new policies that adhere to global best practices.
At the recent Telecoms Industry Risk Management Conference in Lagos, with the topic “Evolution and Future Risk Management in the Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Trends,” NCC Chief, Dr. Aminu Maida, issued the call during his opening remarks.
NCC EVC represented by the Head, of Corporate Planning, Strategy & Risk Management Department NCC, Mr, Kelechi Nwankwo in a welcome address said the gathering allowed exploring the critical theme of “Evolution and Future Risk Management in the Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Trends”.
He said “Telecoms Industry Risk Management Conference,” a gathering that brings together various stakeholders including risk experts, academia, financial institutions, and professionals in the telecommunication industry.
“In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the telecommunications industry finds itself at the forefront of innovation, shaping the way we communicate, connect, and conduct business. As we navigate this dynamic environment, the need for effective risk management becomes increasingly paramount. Today, we stand at the crossroads of tradition and transformation, where emerging technologies and trends present both unprecedented opportunities and challenges.
“While we discuss the current landscape of 5G networks, which boast of wider attack surface due to the increased number of connected devices and denser network infrastructure, it is imperative to even cast our gaze into the future. We are witnessing the dawn of 6G technology, the next frontier in wireless communication. With promises of even faster speeds, lower latency, and groundbreaking applications, 6G has the potential to revolutionize the way we experience connectivity. However, with this advancement comes the responsibility to address new risks, from cybersecurity threats to ethical considerations, ensuring that we pave the way for a secure and inclusive digital future.
“Looking beyond, the prospect of 7G technology also looms on the horizon. As we contemplate the possibilities, we must acknowledge that with each generational leap, we face not only technological advancements but also a fresh set of challenges. Anticipating and managing risks associated with 7G will require collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach to ensure the seamless integration of this technology into our interconnected world.
“In addition to the evolution of connectivity, we must consider the implications of emerging technologies such as quantum technologies (computing, sensing, and communications), advanced artificial intelligence, and blockchain (distributed ledger) technologies. These trends, when harnessed effectively, hold the potential to transform our industry positively.
NCC is dedicated to creating an atmosphere that stimulates creativity while putting the safety and stability of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure first, Maida promised.
“As we navigate through 5G and the uncharted territory of the next generations of wireless technologies, collaborative efforts among regulators, industry players, and other stakeholders become even more crucial for sharing best practices, threat intelligence, resources and implementing robust risk management strategies. We should therefore move beyond mere compliance and reactive measures, and instead, harness the power of these new technologies and trends to build a resilient and future-proof industry.
The Head.of Corporate Planning, Strategy & Risk Management Department,Mr, Kelechi Nwankwo in his speech stated that the development will facilitate resilience in the communications industry.
”With the focus on the theme, “Evolution and Future Risk Management in the Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Trends,” we embark on a journey of exploration and discovery in a rapidly evolving landscape of the telecoms industry. We must thus analyse, adapt, and effectively manage the risks that accompany innovation and development.
“The fast-disruptive world of the telecoms industry has witnessed the convergence of diverse technological advancements with the potential of reshaping our future. From 5G networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to Cloud Computing and beyond, the possibilities are limitless. However, with great opportunities, comes great risks, and it is our collective responsibility to address these risks and possibly safeguard the industry’s growth and sustainability” Nwankwo stated.
He said that this conference demonstrated the dedication of all involved parties to acknowledging the changing dangers and difficulties the telco industry is facing while also seizing the enormous opportunities presented by new trends and technologies.
According to him “The World Economic Forum (WEF) in a survey of global leaders on the five risks most likely to present material crisis on a global scale in 2024, reported AI-generated misinformation/disinformation as number two (2) and cyberattacks as number five (5). These two are technological risks. The number one (1) risk is extreme weather (environment) while numbers three (3) and four (4) are societal/political polarisation and cost-of-living crisis respectively, which are societal issues.
“Together, we will engage in discussions, gain key insights from industry experts, share experiences, and develop strategies to navigate through this ever-changing landscape. How we can mitigate technological risks and use technological innovations to provide solutions to address environmental, societal, economic (disruption of supply chains for critical goods & resources) and geopolitical (attacks on critical infrastructure) challenges, appears critical.
He went on to say that to create an industry that is robust and future-proof, the sector needs to go beyond simple compliance and reactive measures and instead leverage the power of these emerging technologies and trends.
