Abuja: The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for stronger collaboration among African countries to ensure a coordinated and technically sound position at the forthcoming International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 2026 Conference. The Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, made the call at the opening of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) meeting.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Maida emphasized the importance of Africa working together to influence global telecommunications and digital economy policies. He highlighted three major outcomes expected from the two-day meeting: achieving greater African alignment ahead of ITU 2026, establishing practical mechanisms for collaboration between conferences, and maintaining sustained technical participation in ITU processes.
Maida stressed the significance of preparation, stating that it is the foundation where coherence is built. He urged African nations to prepare, work, and arrive at global forums with solutions that are coherent and technically compliant. The meeting is set to review ATU’s activities from 2023 to 2026 and prepare agenda items for the 18th Conference of the Union, along with examining Africa’s preparations for ITU 2026.
Maida noted that Africa’s influence at international forums is contingent not on delegation size, but on quality preparation and coherent positions. Key areas requiring stronger cooperation include spectrum management, artificial intelligence governance, data protection, universal access, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure development. He underscored the need for continuous regulatory cooperation.
He called for African experts to be supported and involved in technical discussions where international standards are developed, aiming to shape standards that are informed by African realities. Maida commended ATU’s leadership for strengthening African positions within ITU and other platforms, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the ITU process through technical expertise and experience sharing.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, emphasized the meeting’s role in strengthening Africa’s digital transformation agenda. He expressed confidence that the committee’s recommendations would support inclusive and sustainable digital development across Africa.
The Secretary-General of ATU, Mr. John Omo, highlighted the significance of the Conference Preparatory Committee in processing documents and proposals for the main conference. Omo noted the growth in ATU membership and progress in critical areas such as broadband development and spectrum coordination. He raised concerns over irregular financial contributions and stressed the need for predictable funding.
The meeting provided an opportunity to review the union’s governance structure and financial obligations, with the forthcoming conference set to elect members of the Administrative Council and select a Secretary-General for the 2027-2031 tenure. Omo appreciated the Nigerian government, NCC, and the ministry for hosting the preparatory meeting, which gathered representatives from African countries, academia, and partners to discuss the continent’s telecommunications and digital future.