The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday called for cooperation, innovation and proactive action to mitigate emerging risks ahead of the rollout of 6G.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, spoke at the two-day Telecom Industry Risk Management Conference held in Lagos on the theme “Evolution of the Telecommunications Industry and Future Risk Management: Leveraging Emerging Technologies and Trends”. He said:
Aminu, who was represented by NCC Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Mr. Ubale Masuka, said proactive steps taken prior to the rollout of 6G will ensure seamless integration of the technology.
He explained that the need for effective risk management has become increasingly important to navigate this dynamic environment.
“Today, we stand at the crossroads of tradition and transformation, where new technologies and trends present both unprecedented opportunities and challenges.
“While discussing the current state of 5G networks, which boast a wider attack surface due to the increasing number of connected devices and densification of network infrastructure, it is essential to also look to the future.
“We are witnessing the dawn of 6G technology, the next frontier in wireless communications.
“With the promise of higher speeds, lower latency, and breakthrough applications, 6G has the potential to revolutionize the way we experience connectivity,” Aminu said.
But he said that with this progress came a responsibility to address new risks from cybersecurity threats.
Aminu explained that the prospect of 7G technology is also on the horizon.
“As we ponder the possibilities, it is essential to recognize that with each generational leap, we face not only technological advances but also new challenges.
“Anticipating and managing the risks associated with 6G and 7G requires collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach.
“In addition to advances in connectivity, we must also consider the impact of emerging technologies such as quantum technologies (computing, sensing, and communications), advanced artificial intelligence, and blockchain (distributed ledger) technology.
“These trends have the potential to positively transform our industry if leveraged effectively. However, they also introduce complexities that require careful consideration in our risk management strategies. ” he said.
The NCC chief said the commission remains committed to fostering an environment that fosters innovation, while prioritizing the security and stability of communications infrastructure.
“As we move through the uncharted territory of 5G and next-generation wireless technologies, collaborative efforts between regulators and industry stakeholders will become even more important to share best practices and implement robust risk management strategies. It has become.
“We therefore need to go beyond mere compliance and reactive measures and leverage the power of these new technologies and trends to build a resilient and future-proof industry,” Aminu said. I did.
According to him, building a culture of risk awareness is paramount.
He noted that as an industry, we need to equip people with the knowledge and skills to proactively identify and report risks and embed security awareness and risk management practices into business processes.
He added that emerging technologies such as AI must be leveraged to generate the data-driven insights needed to predict, detect and respond to risks in real-time.
Kelechi Nwankwo, Head of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management at NCC, also said that the rapidly disruptive world of the telecommunications industry is witnessing a convergence of diverse technological advances that have the potential to reshape the future. He said there was.
But with great opportunity comes great risk, he said, adding that it is the collective responsibility of stakeholders to address the risks and, in some cases, protect the growth and sustainability of the industry. (South)
