By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on African countries to strengthen collaboration and present a united front in shaping global telecommunications and digital economy policies.
The appeal was made by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, at the opening of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference Preparatory Committee held in Abuja.
According to Maida, the meeting was convened to harmonise Africa’s position ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) scheduled to take place later this year in Doha, Qatar.
He described the gathering as a strategic platform for African countries to build consensus on key issues that will shape the future of telecommunications and the digital economy.
Maida stressed that Africa’s ability to influence global ICT policies depends largely on the quality of its preparations, the unity of its positions and the consistency with which member states promote common priorities.
He explained that the Conference Preparatory Committee plays a critical role in enabling African administrations to align their perspectives and develop technically sound recommendations before major international telecommunications meetings.
The NCC boss said delegates would review the activities of the African Telecommunications Union between 2023 and 2026 while preparing recommendations, resolutions and policy decisions for consideration at the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26).
He added that participants would also fine-tune Africa’s common position ahead of ITU PP-26, where major decisions affecting the future of global telecommunications will be made.
Maida emphasised the need for stronger and sustained regulatory cooperation among African countries, noting that emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, spectrum harmonisation, data protection, digital trust and universal access require continuous collaboration beyond periodic conferences.
He also called for greater African participation in international telecommunications study groups, technical committees and regional preparatory meetings where global ICT standards and regulatory frameworks are developed.
According to him, Africa’s growing digital economy, expanding internet connectivity and youthful population position the continent as an increasingly important stakeholder in global digital transformation.
Maida commended the African Telecommunications Union Secretariat, led by Secretary-General John Omo, for promoting a coordinated African voice at the International Telecommunication Union and other global ICT platforms.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the ATU through regulatory cooperation, knowledge sharing and active participation in regional and international telecommunications initiatives.
The NCC Chief Executive expressed optimism that the Abuja meeting would strengthen Africa’s common position ahead of PP-26 and reinforce long-term cooperation among member states on global telecommunications and digital policy issues.
