The Nigerian Communications Commission has called for enhanced collaboration among African countries to strengthen the continent’s voice in global telecommunications and digital economy policy discussions.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Aminu Maida, made the call at the opening of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union Conference Preparatory Committee held in Abuja.
A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, said the meeting was aimed at developing Africa’s common position ahead of the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar.
Maida said the forum provides an avenue for African countries to build consensus on key issues that will shape the future of telecommunications and the digital economy.
He noted that Africa’s influence in global decision-making depends on the level of preparedness, unity of positions and consistency among member states.
The NCC boss explained that the preparatory committee plays a vital role in harmonising views and developing common positions for effective participation in international telecommunications policy processes.
He said participants would review the activities of the ATU between 2023 and 2026 and make recommendations for consideration at the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries.
Maida stressed the need for sustained regulatory cooperation across African countries, especially in addressing emerging issues such as spectrum harmonisation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital trust, data protection and universal access.
He further highlighted the importance of strengthening Africa’s technical participation in global telecommunications processes, including study groups and technical committees where international standards are set.
According to him, Africa must back its position in global discussions with technical expertise, credible data and continuous engagement.
He also underscored the need to ensure that African perspectives are reflected in global digital transformation conversations, noting the continent’s expanding digital economy and growing population.
Maida commended the ATU Secretariat under its Secretary-General, John Omo, for promoting a coordinated African voice on international platforms.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the ATU through collaboration, knowledge sharing and active participation in regional and global initiatives.
Maida expressed optimism that the meeting would strengthen Africa’s alignment ahead of PP-26 and enhance cooperation in global telecommunications policy processes.