In a gathering of distinguished individuals at the Telecoms Industry Risk Management Conference held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), delivered an opening speech addressing the critical theme of “Evolution and Future Risk Management in the Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Trends.”
The conference brought together various stakeholders, including risk experts, academia, financial institutions, and professionals in telecommunications, to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological advancements in the industry, setting the stage for discussions on the evolving landscape of telecommunications.
Dr. Maida emphasized the paramount importance of effective risk management in navigating the dynamic environment of the telecommunications industry. With emerging technologies and trends shaping the way people communicate and conduct business, he underscored the need for proactive measures to address associated risks. He highlighted the current landscape of 5G networks and the anticipated dawn of 6G technology, noting their potential to revolutionize connectivity while presenting new challenges such as cybersecurity threats and ethical considerations.
Looking ahead to the prospect of 7G technology, Dr. Maida emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach in managing risks associated with future generations of wireless technologies. He urged stakeholders to harness emerging technologies such as quantum technologies, advanced artificial intelligence, and blockchain to transform the industry positively, while also recognizing the complexities they introduce to risk management strategies.
The NCC reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an environment that encourages innovation while prioritizing the security and stability of telecom infrastructure. Dr. Maida called for collaborative efforts among regulators, industry players, and stakeholders to share best practices, threat intelligence, and resources for implementing robust risk management strategies.
He emphasized the need to build a culture of risk awareness within the industry, empowering stakeholders with the knowledge and skills to proactively identify and mitigate risks. Dr. Maida advocated for leveraging emerging technologies such as AI to generate data-driven insights for predicting, detecting, and responding to risks in real-time.
As discussions unfolded over the course of the conference, participants engaged in dialogue aimed at addressing current challenges and preparing for the opportunities and risks associated with the evolution towards 6G and beyond. Dr. Maida expressed gratitude to the attendees and wished them a forward-thinking and enlightening conference, highlighting the collective responsibility of stakeholders in driving technological innovation in the telecoms industry.
