In a significant move to secure Nigeria’s digital future, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) announced a strategic partnership with Swedfund, Sweden’s Development Finance Institution (DFI). The collaboration, formalized through a new grant agreement, is aimed squarely at enhancing the security, reliability, and resilience of Nigeria’s burgeoning 5G network infrastructure.
The announcement, confirmed by the NCC, marks a proactive step by the regulator to address the complex cybersecurity challenges that accompany the transformative power of fifth-generation technology. As Nigeria accelerates its 5G rollout, this partnership will fund the development of a comprehensive, risk-based cybersecurity framework to ensure the nation’s next-generation networks are built and operated on a foundation of security and trust.
The 5G Paradox: Balancing Speed with Security
The deployment of 5G in Nigeria, led by operators like MTN, Airtel, and Mafab, promises to unlock a new era of economic growth. The technology’s ultra-fast speeds, extremely low latency, and capacity to support millions of connected devices are seen as critical enablers for advancements in smart cities, autonomous transportation, remote surgery, and large-scale Internet of Things (IoT) deployments.
However, industry experts and regulators, including the NCC, have long acknowledged that these benefits introduce a new and expanded threat landscape.
“Fifth-Generation (5G) mobile technology brings faster speeds, low delays, and supports millions of connected devices,” the commission stated in a release. “However, it also introduces new security risks due to its complex infrastructure and multiple network vendors.”
Unlike 4G, 5G architecture is more decentralized and heavily reliant on software, creating a larger attack surface for sophisticated cyber threats. With 5G set to become the backbone of critical national infrastructure power grids, healthcare systems, transportation networks, and educational platforms a breach could have devastating consequences.
This new grant agreement with Swedfund is Nigeria’s direct response to this high-stakes challenge. The core objective is to move beyond reactive security measures and proactively embed security into the very design, deployment, and operation of the nation’s 5G ecosystem.
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.
Inside the Agreement: A Risk-Based Framework
At the heart of the partnership is the creation of a “risk-based framework.” According to details released by the NCC, this initiative is not just a policy document but a practical and continuous strategy. The framework funded by the grant will reportedly establish clear mechanisms for:
- Vendor Risk Assessment: Establishing stringent security protocols for all 5G equipment and software vendors involved in the national network.
- Secure Network Design: Ensuring that security is a non-negotiable component from the initial design phase of any 5G infrastructure.
- Continuous Monitoring: Implementing advanced systems to monitor network traffic in real-time for threats and vulnerabilities.
- Cross-Border Coordination: Creating formal channels for sharing threat intelligence and coordinating on cyber resilience with international partners.
This partnership aims to align Nigeria’s 5G security posture with the highest global best practices, including established security guidelines from the European Union (EU) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
This partnership with Swedfund provides the technical and institutional foundation needed to ensure Nigeria’s 5G infrastructure remains resilient and trusted.
By focusing on a risk-based approach, the NCC can prioritize security efforts on the most critical components of the network, ensuring both safety and efficiency as the rollout continues to scale across the country.
A Deepening Strategic Relationship
This announcement is not the first collaboration between the two powerful organizations. It represents a significant deepening of a relationship that was publicly solidified earlier this year.
In February 2025, the NCC, under the leadership of CEO Dr. Aminu Maida, signed an initial agreement with Swedfund, represented by Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund. That first project, the “Crowdsourcing Quality of Experience (QoE) Project,” was focused on improving the end-user’s service experience. It involved leveraging real-time data from consumers to monitor network performance, identify issues like dropped calls and slow internet speeds, and hold telecom providers accountable.
While the February deal focused on service quality, this present 5G agreement tackles the more fundamental issue of national digital security. This progression signals a mature and evolving partnership. Swedfund, whose mission is to reduce poverty through sustainable investment, clearly views a secure and reliable digital infrastructure as a cornerstone of sustainable economic development in Nigeria.
This layered approach first ensuring quality of service and now cementing network security demonstrates a comprehensive strategy to build a world-class digital economy.
Bolstering Public Trust and the Digital Economy
Beyond the technical specifications, the NCC has emphasized that the ultimate goal of this partnership is to build and protect public confidence.
“Security and trust remain central to Nigeria’s digital future,” the commission stressed.
For 5G to reach its full potential, citizens and businesses must trust that the networks carrying their most sensitive data are safe. This initiative is designed to provide that assurance. By securing the 5G backbone for sectors like healthcare, finance, and transport, the government aims to create a stable environment for innovation and investment.
With 5G deployment already active in major cities including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, the need for this security framework is immediate. The collaboration with Swedfund provides not only the necessary funding but also access to international expertise, positioning Nigeria to become a continental leader in secure 5G deployment.
As the nation continues its ambitious digital transformation journey, this move to safeguard its most advanced networks may well be remembered as a critical turning point in protecting its national interests for decades to come.
