By Joy Odor
With the dawn of 6G technology and it’s advancement as next frontier in wireless communication, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has assured to address new risks, from cybersecurity threats to ethical considerations to pave the way for a secure and inclusive digital future.
This is even as the prospect of 7G technology also looms on the horizon.
Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC (EVC/CEO) made this known in his address at the Telecoms Industry Risk Management Conference of various stakeholders that includes- risk experts, academia, financial institutions, and professionals in telecommunications, with the Theme “Evolution and Future Risk Management in the Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Trends in Lagos.
The EVC/CEO affirmed that anticipating and managing risks associated with 7G will require collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach to ensure the seamless integration of the technology into Nigeria interconnected world.
He added that in addition to the evolution of connectivity, they must consider the implications of emerging technologies such as quantum technologies (computing, sensing, and communications), advanced artificial intelligence, and Block Chain (distributed ledger) technologies.
He explained that with the promises of even faster speeds, lower latency, and groundbreaking applications, 6G has the potential to revolutionize the way we experience connectivity.
Maida pointed out that as they contemplate the possibilities, must also acknowledge that with each generational leap, face not only technological advancements but also a fresh set of challenges, saying these trends, when harnessed effectively, hold the potential to transform the industry positively, although introduces complexities that demand careful consideration in the risk management strategies.
The NCC EVC/CEO voiced NCC committed to fostering an environment that encourages innovation while prioritising the security and stability of Nigeria telecom infrastructure.
“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.
“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.
“These trends, when harnessed effectively, hold the potential to transform our industry positively However, they also introduce complexities that demand careful consideration in our 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. You would recall that in my engagements with the Industry and Media, I had stated that collaboration is a key driver of my leadership.
“Together, we can build a shared understanding of emerging risks and develop comprehensive mitigation strategies. Building a culture of risk awareness is paramount.
“As an industry, we must empower our people with the knowledge and skills to proactively identify and report risks and embed security awareness and risk management practices throughout our business processes. Emerging technologies such as AI should be leveraged to generate data-driven insights needed to predict, detect, and respond to risks in real-time.
“We should also monitor evolving threats and vulnerabilities on a continuous basis and streamline incidence response processes to build a resilient telecom industry” he concluded.
Maida therefore challenged the stakeholders and Gentlemen not to only address the challenges posed by current technologies but also anticipate and prepare for the opportunities and risks associated with the evolution towards 6G and beyond to ensure that the telecoms industry not only adapts to change but thrives at the forefront of technological innovation.
Meanwhile, in his welcome address the Head, Corporate Planning Strategy & Risk Management (HCPSRM), Kelechi Nwankwo noted that the fast-disruptive world of the telecoms industry has witnessed convergence of diverse technological advancements with the potential of reshaping the future.
He advised that as they embark on a journey of exploration and discovery in a rapidly evolving landscape of the telecoms industry, from 5G networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to Cloud Computing and beyond, the possibilities are limitless, they must thus analyse, adapt, and effectively manage the risks that accompany innovation and development.
“However, with great opportunities, comes great risks, and it is our collective responsibility to address these risks and possibly safeguarding the industry’s growth and sustainability.
“This conference is a testament to our collective commitment towards recognizing the evolving risks and challenges we face, while embracing the immense opportunities emerging technologies and trends bring.
“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)1.
“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.
“As we engage ourselves in the next few days of fruitful deliberations, idea exchanges, and collaborations, let us challenge our perspectives and embrace a forward-thinking mindset.
“The telecoms industry has gone through remarkable transformations, and it is our responsibility to stay informed, prepared, and proactive in managing the potential risks ahead”he stressed.
Nwankwo mandated all stakeholders to actively engage in the various sessions, dialogue openly, and contribute to fruitful discussions by harnessing the collective wisdom and experiences present in the conference to unlock new approaches to risk management that will shape the future of the industry.
