The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on African nations to mobilise a united front, aiming to cement the continent’s influence in global telecoms and digital economy policymaking.
Executive Vice-Chairman Aminu Maida issued the rallying cry at the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Preparatory Committee in Abuja. The committee is tasked with hammering out a common position for the upcoming International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), scheduled for Doha, Qatar.
Mr Maida argued that Africa’s leverage in international negotiations depends squarely on precise preparation and steadfast unity among member states. Reviewing the ATU’s activities from 2023 to 2026 and drafting key resolutions form the core of the session’s agenda.
Crucially, the NCC chief highlighted the urgency of sustained regulatory collaboration to address spectrum harmonisation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital trust, data protection, and universal access. He also stressed that credible expertise and active participation in ITU technical committees are non-negotiable for amplifying Africa’s stakes in global digital transformation.
Praising ATU Secretary-General John Omo for cultivating a cohesive African voice, Mr Maida reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to peer learning and collective regulatory progress.
The Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, confirmed the details in an official statement in Abuja.