Nigerian Communications Commission. Photo: NCC
The Federal Government has called for stronger African coordination in shaping global telecommunications policies, saying the continent must deepen technical cooperation and present unified positions to strengthen its influence in international digital governance.
The Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, made the call on Monday at the opening of the 7th Ordinary Session of the Conference Preparatory Committee of the African Telecommunications Union in Abuja.
He said Africa’s influence in global telecommunications would depend on the quality of its preparation, technical expertise and coordinated engagement rather than the size of its delegations.
Speaking on behalf of the NCC, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Federal Government, Maida said Nigeria was proud to host the gathering, describing it as a demonstration of Africa’s resolve to prepare collectively for decisions that would shape the future of telecommunications and the digital economy.
He said, “Africa’s influence in international forums does not depend simply on the size of our delegations or the number of interventions we make. It depends on the quality of our preparation, the coherence of our positions and the consistency with which we advance them.”
According to him, African countries that engage early, build consensus and develop technically sound positions are better placed to shape international decisions.
“Where our administrations engage early, we consult different perspectives and build technically sound formal positions, Africa’s voice carries weight. Where that preparation is delayed, our influence is inevitably reduced. That is why the work in this room matters,” he added.
Maida explained that the committee would prepare resolutions, recommendations and common positions for both the forthcoming Conference of Plenipotentiaries of the African Telecommunications Union and the 2026 International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference.
He noted that while the ATU conference would determine the strategic direction of the continental telecommunications body, the ITU conference would shape the future leadership and priorities of the global telecommunications sector.
“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.
The NCC boss identified cross-border spectrum harmonisation, artificial intelligence governance, data protection frameworks, universal access and cybersecurity as key issues requiring closer regulatory cooperation across the continent.
He said no African country could effectively address such challenges independently.
“Our regulatory cooperation must therefore become more continuous, more technical and more institutionalised,” he said, adding that coordination should extend beyond conferences through regular engagement, shared technical reitions
Maida also urged member states to invest in sustained technical participation, saying Africa’s contribution to global standards should begin at the drafting stage rather than after decisions had already been taken.
“Our objective as Africa is not to resist global standards. It is to help shape standards that are globally sound and sufficiently informed by African realities,” he said.
He added, “African perspectives should, therefore, not be treated as an afterthought. They should form part of the discussion from the outset. That influence will be built through consistent participation, credible evidence, technical expertise and positions that command respect for their merits.”
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the African Telecommunications Union, Maida said the country would continue to contribute technical expertise, share regulatory experience and support peer learning among African administrations.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, said Nigeria remained committed to working with member states of the African Telecommunications Union to advance regional digital integration, innovation and sustainable socio-economic development.
He said the committee’s recommendations would provide the basis for decisions at the forthcoming Conference of Plenipotentiaries.
“As we navigate an era of rapid technological advancement and digital innovation, the importance of collaboration among our member states has never been greater. Through constructive dialogue and consensus building, I am confident that this committee will produce recommendations that will further strengthen the African Telecommunications Union and enhance its capacity to support inclusive and sustainable digital development across the African continent,” Gagare said.
Earlier, the Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union, John Omo, described the preparatory committee as central to developing consensus on proposals before they are presented to the Conference of Plenipotentiaries.
He disclosed that the union’s membership had increased from 49 to 52 member states over the past four years, while associate membership rose from 50 to 56 organisations. He added that academia had also been introduced as a new membership category, with 18 institutions now participating in the union’s activities.
Omo said the ATU had expanded its work in broadband spectrum, satellite communications, internet governance, rural broadband, internet exchange points, standardisation and digital infrastructure resilience during the period.
He, however, urged member states to improve the predictability of their financial contributions to enable the secretariat to implement its programmes more effectively, noting that the forthcoming Conference of Plenipotentiaries would elect a new Secretary-General and members of the Administrative Council for the 2027-2031 term.
Sami Tunji is a Senior Business Correspondent at Punch Newspapers with about five years of experience in data-driven reporting. He covers finance, ICT, and broader macroeconomic issues, combining analytical insight with clear storytelling. Sami’s work reflects strong editorial judgment, professional development, and a commitment to accurate and informative business journalism.
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