NCC Seeks Stronger African Collaboration Ahead of Global Telecom Policy Conference

By Mu'azu Hassan 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for stronger collaboration among African countries to boost the continent's influence 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, during the opening of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference Preparatory Committee in Abuja.

Maida said the meeting was convened to prepare Africa's common positions ahead of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled to take place later this year in Doha, Qatar.

Welcoming delegates from across Africa, he described the gathering as a vital platform for building consensus on issues that will shape the future of telecommunications and the digital economy. According to him, Africa's influence in international forums depends largely on thorough preparation, unified positions and consistent advocacy of shared continental priorities.

He noted that the Conference Preparatory Committee plays a crucial role in strengthening Africa's participation in global telecommunications policy by enabling member states to harmonise their positions and develop technically sound proposals before major international meetings.

Maida explained that participants at the session would review the activities of the ATU between 2023 and 2026, while preparing recommendations, decisions and resolutions for consideration at the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26). The committee will also assess Africa's preparations for the ITU PP-26, where major decisions affecting the future of the global telecommunications industry will be made.

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The NCC boss stressed the need for continuous and institutionalised regulatory cooperation among African countries, saying emerging issues such as spectrum harmonisation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital trust, data protection and universal access require sustained collaboration beyond periodic conferences.

He also emphasised 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 him, a stronger African voice in global decision-making must be supported by technical expertise, credible evidence and sustained engagement.

Maida further said Africa's growing digital economy, expanding connectivity and youthful population make it imperative for the continent's perspectives to be adequately reflected in global discussions on digital transformation.

He commended the African Telecommunications Union Secretariat, led by Secretary-General John Omo, for promoting a more coordinated African voice within the ITU and other international platforms.

Reaffirming Nigeria's commitment to continental cooperation, Maida pledged the NCC's continued support for the ATU through the sharing of regulatory expertise, peer learning and active participation in regional and international telecommunications initiatives.

He expressed optimism that the meeting would produce stronger African alignment ahead of PP-26, establish more effective mechanisms for collaboration between conferences and reinforce the continent's commitment to sustained technical participation in global telecommunications policymaking.