The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for stronger collaboration among African countries to boost the continent’s influence in shaping global telecommunications and digital economy policies.
The call was made by Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, at the opening of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference Preparatory Committee held in Abuja.
Maida explained that the meeting was convened to prepare Africa’s common position ahead of the forthcoming International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, later this year.
The statement, signed by Nnenna Ukoha, noted that the gathering provides a critical platform for building consensus on key issues that will shape the future of telecommunications and the digital economy across the continent.
According to Maida, Africa’s effectiveness in global negotiations depends largely on the quality of its preparation, coherence of positions and the consistency with which member states pursue shared priorities.
He further stated that the preparatory committee plays a vital role in strengthening Africa’s participation in global telecommunications policy discussions by harmonising perspectives and developing technically sound common positions ahead of major international engagements.
He disclosed that participants at the session would review ATU’s activities from 2023 to 2026 and develop recommendations, decisions and resolutions for consideration at the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26).
The NCC boss stressed the need for sustained and institutionalised regulatory cooperation among African countries, noting that emerging issues such as spectrum harmonisation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital trust, data protection and universal access require continuous collaboration beyond periodic conferences.
He also emphasised the importance of enhancing Africa’s technical participation in international telecommunications processes, including study groups, technical committees and regional preparatory meetings where standards and frameworks are developed.
According to him, a stronger African voice in global decision-making must be backed by technical expertise, credible evidence and consistent engagement.
Maida added that it is essential for African perspectives to be adequately reflected in global discussions on digital transformation, given the continent’s growing digital economy, expanding connectivity and youthful population.
While commending the ATU Secretariat under its Secretary-General, John Omo, for promoting a coordinated African voice within the ITU and other global platforms, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the union.
He said Nigeria would continue to advance continental cooperation through the sharing of regulatory expertise, peer learning and active participation in regional and international telecommunications initiatives.
Maida expressed optimism that the meeting would enhance Africa’s alignment ahead of PP-26, strengthen inter-conference collaboration mechanisms and deepen technical participation in global telecommunications policy processes.