Lagos, Feb. 22, 2024 – Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has called for proactive actions to mitigate associated risks of the deployment of 6G.
Maida made the call in Lagos at the just concluded two-day conference with the theme “Evolution and Future Risk Management in the Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Trends.”
He said taking proactive measures ahead of the introduction of 6G would ensure seamless integration of the technology.
Maida, who was represented by Mr Ubale Maska, the Executive Commissioner (Technical Services), said the need for effective risk management was increasingly paramount to navigate the dynamic environment.
“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 revolutionise the way we experience connectivity,” he said.
The NCC boss said the advancement new technology would require the responsibility to address new risks from cybersecurity threats.
“As we contemplate the possibilities, it is essential to acknowledge that with each generational leap, one faces not only technological advancements, but also a fresh set of challenges.
“Anticipating and managing risks associated with 6G and 7G will require collaboration, innovation and a proactive approach.
“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. However, they also introduce complexities that demand careful consideration in our risk management strategies,” he noted.
Maida said the commission remained committed to fostering an environment that encouraged innovation, while prioritising security and stability of the telecoms infrastructure.
“As we navigate through 5G and the uncharted territory of the next generations of wireless technologies, collaborative efforts among regulators and industry players become even more crucial for sharing best practices 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,” he said.
Maida said that as an industry, it was necessary to empower people with the knowledge and skills to proactively identify, report risks, embed security awareness and risk management practices in business processes.
Mr Kelechi Nwankwo, the Head of Corporate Planning, Strategies and Risk Management in NCC, also said the fast-disruptive world of the telecoms industry had witnessed convergence of diverse technological advancements with the potential to reshape the future.
He said great opportunities would bring great risks, adding that it was a collective responsibility of stakeholders to address the risks and safeguard the industry’s growth and sustainability. (GBN)
