…urges them to anticipate, and prepare for opportunities and risks often associated with the evolution toward 6G

 Stakeholders in the telecommunications industry have been challenged to always anticipate and prepare for opportunities and risks often associated with the evolution towards 6G and beyond rather than to not 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.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC,  gave this task while making remarks at the telecom industry Risk Management Conference with the theme, “Evolution and Future Risk Management in the Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Trends”,  held in Lagos recently, stated that in an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the telecommunications industry found itself at the forefront of innovation, shaping the way people communicate, connect, and conduct business.

He urged stakeholders to be vigilant as they navigate through this dynamic environment, the need for effective risk management becomes increasingly paramount.

He said, “Today, we stand at the crossroads of tradition and transformation, where emerging technologies and trends present both unprecedented opportunities and challenges.

According to him, he said: “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. As we contemplate the possibilities, we must acknowledge that with each generational leap, we face not only technological advancements but also a fresh set of challenges. Anticipating and managing risks associated with 7G will require collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach to ensure the seamless integration of this technology into our interconnected world.”

The NCC boss stated that in addition to the evolution of connectivity, stakeholders must consider the implications of emerging technologies such as quantum technologies (computing, sensing, and communications), advanced artificial intelligence, and Block Chain (distributed ledger) technologies, saying, “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 stated further that the NCC remains committed to fostering an environment that encourages innovation while prioritising the security and stability of our 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.”

He reminded the stakeholders that they would recall that in his engagements with the Industry and Media,  he had stated that collaboration is a key driver of his leadership. “Together, we can build a shared understanding of emerging risks and develop comprehensive mitigation strategies.”

He positioned that: “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 continuously and streamline incidence response processes to build a resilient telecom industry.

“Together, we can ensure that the telecoms industry not only adapts to change but thrives at the forefront of technological innovation.”

In his welcome address, the Head, Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, NCC, Mr. Kelechi Nwankwo revealed that the conference was a testament to Commission’s collective commitment towards recognizing the evolving risks and challenges the industry faces while embracing the immense opportunities emerging technologies and trends bring.

Nwankwo asserted that, “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.

“I urge every one of you to actively engage in the various sessions, dialogue openly, and contribute to fruitful discussions. By harnessing the collective wisdom and experiences present in this conference, we can unlock new approaches to risk management that will shape the future of the industry.

“Let us begin this remarkable journey together as we explore the evolution and future of risk management in the telecom industry while harnessing the benefits from emerging technologies and trends.”