The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned telecommunications operators to strengthen their cybersecurity systems as artificial intelligence creates new risks for communication networks and services linked to financial transactions.
The warning was delivered by NCC Executive Vice Chairman Dr Aminu Maida at the second International Cybersecurity Conference held in Abuja on October 27, 2026. Maida, represented by Executive Commissioner for Technical Services Sunday Abraham Oshadami, urged operators to improve their defences against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
He said the growing integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into telecommunications infrastructure could introduce vulnerabilities if the systems were not properly monitored and secured. He called for regular audits to identify weaknesses, including attempts to manipulate AI models or make unauthorised changes to network operations.
According to the commission, AI-enabled threats include highly personalised phishing messages, automated attempts to steal login details, deepfake audio and video designed to deceive people, and malicious software that can alter its behaviour to avoid detection. These methods can make fraudulent communications more convincing and allow attackers to operate at greater speed and scale.
The warning has implications for banking and other financial services because telecommunications networks support digital payments, mobile banking and the delivery of security messages. A successful attack on relevant systems could expose customers to financial fraud, account compromise or service disruption.
The NCC urged telecom operators to adopt stronger security measures, including Zero Trust Architecture, which requires users, devices and access requests to be continuously verified rather than automatically trusted. It also stressed the need for networks to withstand attacks, recover quickly from disruptions and maintain essential services.
The commission has established its Computer Security Incident Response Team to monitor threats and coordinate responses. It has also introduced a Cyber Resilience Framework for Nigeria’s communications sector to promote consistent security practices and cooperation among operators.
The conference also highlighted the importance of public awareness and collaboration among regulators, telecommunications companies, financial institutions and security agencies. Participants stressed that protecting digital systems requires both technical safeguards and effective responses to attempts to manipulate people through fake messages, calls, images and videos.
The NCC’s warning comes as businesses and consumers increasingly depend on connected services for communication and financial transactions. Operators and financial institutions will need to keep strengthening their security measures as criminals adopt new tools, while customers should be cautious about unexpected requests for passwords, verification codes or money.
The commission’s message is that cybersecurity must remain a continuing responsibility as artificial intelligence becomes more deeply integrated into Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
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