NCC taps Swedfund to safeguard 5G era connectivity
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has entered into a partnership with Swedfund, Sweden’s Development Finance Institution, to enhance the security, reliability, and trustworthiness of Nigeria’s Fifth-generation (5G) network ecosystem, a move seen as a major step toward protecting Africa’s largest digital economy from emerging cyber threats.
Under the new grant agreement, the NCC and Swedfund will collaborate to develop a risk-based security framework designed to ensure that 5G and future network systems are securely designed, deployed, and operated.
The initiative underscores Nigeria’s growing commitment to cybersecurity resilience at a time when the country’s connectivity infrastructure is rapidly expanding to support millions of devices and new digital services.
The commission said the partnership reflects the its proactive stance in addressing the sophisticated security challenges introduced by 5G architecture.
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“As we embrace the benefits of next-generation networks, we must also strengthen our ability to manage risks inherent in more complex and interconnected systems. This partnership with Swedfund provides the technical and institutional foundation needed to ensure Nigeria’s 5G infrastructure remains resilient and trusted,” the commission affirmed.
Fifth-generation (5G) technology offers transformative advantages, ultra-fast data speeds, low latency, and the ability to support smart cities, autonomous systems, and large-scale Internet of Things (IoT) deployments.
However, its expanded infrastructure and reliance on multiple network vendors have also introduced new vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals or hostile actors.
For Nigeria, where 5G rollout is accelerating through major operators like MTN, Airtel, and Mafab, the implications of a secure network go beyond consumer connectivity.
The joint framework is expected to draw on international best practices, including European Union and ITU security guidelines, while adapting them to Nigeria’s regulatory and infrastructural realities. It will also establish mechanisms for continuous monitoring, vendor risk assessment, and cross-border coordination on cyber resilience.
