The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has called for a trust-driven approach in the development of Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), describing it as critical to sustaining the country’s digital economy.
Maida made the call during his presentation at the WSIS 2026 Leaders’ TalkX, where he underscored the growing importance of mobile phone numbers as essential digital identifiers across multiple sectors.
He noted that mobile numbers now serve as key access points to banking services, government platforms, healthcare systems, education, and commercial activities, reflecting the increasing digitisation of everyday life.
According to him, Nigeria’s strategy for protecting this critical infrastructure is anchored on three pillars: trust in identity, trust in networks, and trust in markets.
Speaking on identity management, Maida highlighted the role of the Telecoms Industry Risk Management System (TIRMS), which enables authorised institutions to securely verify the identities associated with mobile phone numbers. He said the initiative is aimed at strengthening accountability and mitigating fraudulent activities within the digital ecosystem.
On network security, he referenced the Communications Sector Cyber Resilience Framework and the implementation of the Presidential Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), noting that both initiatives are designed to enhance the resilience and security of the nation’s communications infrastructure through coordinated efforts among stakeholders.
Maida also emphasised the importance of a stable and predictable market environment, stating that consumers require reliable and affordable services alongside effective redress mechanisms, while investors depend on transparent regulatory frameworks to sustain confidence and drive investment.
He maintained that building a resilient Digital Public Infrastructure requires a deliberate focus on trust across all levels of the ecosystem.
“Resilient DPI depends on trusted identities, trusted networks, and trusted markets,” he said.
The NCC boss reiterated the Commission’s commitment to policies and regulatory measures that will strengthen digital trust, enhance service delivery, and support the long-term growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.