WSIS 2026: NCC Unveils Three Pillars for a Trusted Digital Economy | ClipTV Online

The 2026 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) has set a new direction for digital communication. The annual summit, held from July 6 to July 10 in Geneva, Switzerland, attracted multiple stakeholders from the global telecommunications industry.

Among the notable participants was the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, who underscored the importance of recognising mobile phone numbers as a pillar of Nigeria’s digital economy.

Speaking during the WSIS 2026 Leaders’ TalkX on Building a Secure and Trusted Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Dr. Maida shared Nigeria’s approach to safeguarding one of the foundations of the country’s digital economy—the mobile phone number.

He noted that mobile phone numbers play a critical role in accessing various services across the country and, therefore, must be adequately protected. According to him, phone numbers have evolved beyond making calls and sending text messages.

“As our lives become increasingly digital, the mobile phone number is no longer just a way to make calls,” he said.

He added that mobile phone numbers “have become a key to banking, government services, healthcare, education, commerce, and many of the digital services we rely on every day.”

Dr. Maida further stated that the Nigerian Communications Commission is building its digital ecosystem on the principle of trust. He highlighted the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TRIMS), explaining that the platform helps identify and verify the owners of every phone number.

According to him, the TRIMS platform also promotes accountability and helps reduce phone-related fraud.

Speaking further on other dimensions of trust, Dr. Maida emphasised the importance of resilient mobile networks.

“Through the Communications Sector Cyber Resilience Framework and the implementation of the Presidential Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), government, industry, and other stakeholders are working together to strengthen the resilience of our communications infrastructure,” he said.

In concluding his presentation, Dr. Maida stressed the importance of trust in the marketplace.

“Consumers need reliable, affordable services and effective redress,” he said. “Investors need transparent, predictable, and consistent regulation that gives them confidence to invest,” he added.

During his presentation at WSIS 2026, Dr. Maida identified three pillars of a resilient Digital Public Infrastructure: trusted identities, trusted networks, and trusted markets. He noted that any nation seeking to thrive in the global digital economy must build its digital transformation on these three foundations.

The 2026 WSIS has opened new opportunities for advancing digital knowledge and strengthening the protection of individuals’ mobile identities. As mobile phone numbers increasingly become valuable digital assets, citizens are encouraged to protect them and avoid activities that could compromise Nigeria’s digital progress.