Abayomi Susan
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for deeper collaboration among African countries to strengthen the continent’s collective voice in shaping global telecommunications and digital economy policies ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26).
The call 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 common positions ahead of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) scheduled to take place later this year in Doha, Qatar.
Welcoming delegates from across the continent, the NCC chief described the gathering as a strategic platform for building consensus on critical issues that will shape the future of telecommunications and the digital economy.
He noted that Africa’s influence in international policy discussions depends on thorough preparation, unified positions and sustained commitment by member states to advancing shared priorities.
According to him, the Conference Preparatory Committee plays a pivotal role in strengthening Africa’s participation in global telecommunications policy by enabling member administrations to harmonise their perspectives and develop technically sound common positions ahead of major international meetings.
Maida explained that the committee would review the activities of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) from 2023 to 2026 and prepare recommendations, decisions and resolutions for consideration at the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26).
He added that participants would also assess Africa’s level of preparedness for ITU PP-26, where key decisions affecting the future direction of the global telecommunications industry are expected to be taken.
The NCC Executive Vice Chairman stressed the need for stronger and more 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 underscored the importance of increasing Africa’s technical participation in international telecommunications processes, including study groups, technical committees and regional preparatory meetings where global standards and policy frameworks are developed.
According to Maida, a stronger African voice in global decision-making must be backed by technical expertise, credible evidence and consistent engagement.
He further emphasised the need to ensure that Africa’s perspectives are adequately reflected in global conversations on digital transformation, noting that the continent’s rapidly expanding digital economy, growing connectivity and youthful population position it as a key stakeholder in the future of the global Information and Communications Technology (ICT) ecosystem.
While acknowledging the contributions of the ATU Secretariat under the leadership of its Secretary-General, Mr. John Omo, Maida commended the Union for promoting a more coordinated African voice within the ITU and other international platforms.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the ATU and advancing continental cooperation through the sharing of regulatory expertise, peer learning and active participation in regional and international telecommunications initiatives.
Maida expressed optimism that the Abuja meeting would strengthen Africa’s alignment ahead of PP-26, enhance mechanisms for inter-conference collaboration and reinforce the continent’s commitment to sustained technical participation in global telecommunications policy processes.
Signed:
Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha
Director, Public Affairs Department
Nigerian Communications Commission
July 20, 2026
