L-R: Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Engr. Abraham Oshadami; Director-General, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, South Africa, Ms. Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida; Secretary-General, African Telecommunications Union (ATU), Mr. John Omo; and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, during the opening ceremony of the 7th Ordinary Session of the ATU Conference Preparatory Committee held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on July 20, 2026.
By Peace Udugba
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for stronger collaboration among African countries to enhance the continent’s influence in shaping global telecommunications and digital economy policies ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26).
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, made the call on Monday during the opening ceremony of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference Preparatory Committee held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Maida said the meeting was convened to develop Africa’s common position ahead of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled to take place later this year in Doha, Qatar.
Welcoming delegates from across the continent, he described the gathering as a crucial platform for building consensus on issues that will shape the future of telecommunications and the digital economy in Africa.
According to him, Africa’s influence in global telecommunications policy discussions depends on the quality of its preparation, the coherence of its positions and the consistency with which member states pursue shared priorities.
“The Conference Preparatory Committee plays a critical role in strengthening Africa’s participation in global telecommunications policy discussions by enabling administrations to harmonise perspectives and develop technically sound common positions ahead of major international meetings,” he said.
Maida explained that participants at the session would review the activities of the ATU from 2023 to 2026 and prepare recommendations, decisions and resolutions for consideration at the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26).
They will also assess Africa’s preparations for ITU PP-26, where key decisions on the future direction of the global telecommunications sector will be taken.
The NCC boss stressed the need for continuous and institutionalised regulatory cooperation among African nations, noting that 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 strengthening Africa’s technical participation in international telecommunications processes, including study groups, technical committees and regional preparatory meetings where global standards and frameworks are developed.
According to Maida, a stronger African voice in global decision-making must be supported by technical expertise, credible evidence and consistent engagement.
He further noted that Africa’s expanding digital economy, increasing connectivity and youthful population make the continent’s contributions indispensable to global discussions on digital transformation.
Maida commended the African Telecommunications Union Secretariat, led by its Secretary-General, Mr. John Omo, for promoting a more coordinated African voice within the ITU and other international platforms.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the ATU through the sharing of regulatory expertise, peer learning and active participation in regional and international telecommunications initiatives.
The NCC chief expressed optimism that the meeting would produce greater African alignment ahead of PP-26, stronger mechanisms for inter-conference collaboration and renewed commitment to sustained technical participation in international telecommunications policy processes.
