By – our Correspondent
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida has called on African countries to unite, deepen collaboration and present a strong position on key telecommunications and digital economy issues, stressing that the continent would wield greater influence in global policy decisions by speaking with one voice.
Maida spoke on Monday at the opening of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CP-26) of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunication Union (ATU) Conference in Abuja.
He said it was an honour for Nigeria to host the strategic gathering, which is expected to shape Africa’s collective position ahead of the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Conference scheduled to take place in November.
“Nigeria is proud to host this gathering and proud of what it represents—Africa’s determination to prepare together and to speak with greater coherence on the issues shaping the future of telecommunications and the digital economy,” he added.
The EVC noted that the preparatory committee was central to Africa’s participation in international telecommunications governance, describing it as the platform where consensus is built before major global engagements.
According to him, delegates will review the ATU’s activities between 2023 and 2026 and prepare resolutions, decisions and recommendations for adoption at the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries later this week.The committee will also finalise Africa’s preparations for the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference.
“These are related but distinct processes. CPL-26 will determine the direction and priorities of our continental union, while ITU PP-26 will determine the direction, leadership and priorities of the global union.
“Our work here must serve both purposes clearly, strengthening the ATU as Africa’s coordinating institution while ensuring that Africa is well prepared to participate effectively at the ITU,” he said.
He further noted that emerging issues such as spectrum harmonisation, artificial intelligence governance, data protection, universal connectivity and cybersecurity require coordinated regulatory responses across the continent.
“The issues before us are increasingly complex and interconnected. No administration can address these challenges effectively in isolation. Our regulatory cooperation must therefore become more continuous, more technical and more institutionalised,” he added.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, said the meeting was critical to strengthening Africa’s digital transformation agenda.
Gagare said the recommendations from the committee would provide a foundation for decisions at the forthcoming ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries.
He expressed confidence that the conference deliberations would produce recommendations capable of strengthening ATU’s capacity to support inclusive and sustainable digital development across Africa.
“As we navigate an era of rapid technological advancement and digital innovation, the importance of collaboration among member states has never been greater,” Gagare said.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General of ATU, Mr John Omo said that the role of the Conference Preparatory Committee was significant as it processed documents and proposals ahead of the main conference to ensure that member states presented agreed positions.
He noted that ATU membership had grown from 49 to 52 countries, while associate membership increased from 50 to 56, with 18 African academic institutions now participating in the union’s activities.
Omo emphasized that the union had made progress in some critical areas including broadband development, satellite communications, spectrum coordination, internet governance, rural broadband, standardisation and resilience of Africa’s digital infrastructure.
He, however, raised concerns over irregular financial contributions from some members, saying predictable funding was necessary for effective implementation of the union’s programmes.
“This meeting provided an opportunity to review the union’s governance structure, legal instruments and financial obligations to ensure they remained suitable for its expanding responsibilities”, Omo said.
He disclosed that the forthcoming conference would elect members of the Administrative Council and select a Secretary-General for the 2027–2031 tenure.
He extended his appreciation to the Nigerian government, NCC and the ministry for hosting and supporting the preparatory meeting.
The Abuja Preparatory Committee (CP-26) of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunication Union (ATU) Conference brought together representatives from African countries, sector members, academia and partners to deliberate on issues affecting the continent’s telecommunications and digital future. (GSF)
