Nigeria faces the critical challenge of shaping its internet governance framework to better reflect the country’s digital landscape. Mrs Mary Uduma, Director of Digital Solutions Limited, West Africa, stressed the importance of increased collaboration among government agencies, technology companies, civil society organizations, academia, and technical experts during the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Internet Governance Symposium 2026.
The internet, while inherently global, impacts Nigeria in unique ways that demand localised policy responses. Mrs Uduma explained that a multi-stakeholder governance model is vital, incorporating diverse voices from government, civil society, academia, technical communities, private sector operators, and international organisations to address complex issues such as cybersecurity, human rights, commercial interests, and national sovereignty.
Global principles with local implementation
The evolution of global internet governance has transitioned from a technical coordination model to an intricate system involving multiple actors. Key milestones, like the establishment of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in 1998, underscore this progression. Nigeria’s participation must move beyond adopting international policies to actively shaping global internet discourse.
Mrs Uduma highlighted forums such as the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (UN IGF), Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF), West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF), and Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (NIGF) as platforms that facilitate constructive dialogue among stakeholders, crucial for aligning global policies with Nigeria’s digital priorities.
Addressing emerging priorities and persistent challenges
Among the emerging issues influencing internet governance are artificial intelligence development, cross-border data flows, cybersecurity resilience, and digital trust. Alongside these, Nigeria must continue tackling ongoing concerns such as universal internet access, affordability, meaningful connectivity, and digital literacy.
Inclusive digital policymaking remains a focus, particularly integrating youth and women’s perspectives to ensure equitable outcomes. Furthermore, responsible artificial intelligence deployment and robust international cooperation are vital to Nigeria’s digital future.
Regulatory frameworks and digital sovereignty
The NCC’s Internet Code of Practice 2026 exemplifies Nigeria’s approach to governing digital platforms and services. It targets key areas including transactional data handling, data breach and cybersecurity notifications, child online protection, default privacy settings, and AI integration policies.
Strengthening domestic regulation is essential to address the dynamic challenges posed by internet-based services while maintaining adherence to global internet governance standards.
Implications for Nigeria’s digital development
For Nigeria, fostering a collaborative, multi-stakeholder internet governance ecosystem is fundamental to ensuring that international principles translate into effective local actions. Such cooperation can enhance Nigeria’s role in global internet policymaking while safeguarding national interests and promoting an open, secure, and inclusive digital environment.
As Nigeria continues to expand its digital infrastructure and user base, the necessity for tailored internet governance policies that reflect national circumstances becomes increasingly pressing. The country’s ability to coordinate diverse stakeholder input and shape global dialogues will significantly influence the sustainability and accessibility of its digital future.
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