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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, on Monday called on African countries to take a more active role in shaping global digital standards rather than merely adopting decisions made elsewhere.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference Preparatory Committee in Abuja, Maida said Africa’s growing digital economy and youthful population make it imperative for the continent to influence international policies on telecommunications and emerging technologies.
He stressed that Africa’s voice in global forums would depend not on the size of its delegations but on the quality of its preparation, technical expertise and ability to present common positions.
According to him, African countries must prepare together, work together between conferences and arrive at global meetings with positions that are coherent, technically sound and capable of influencing international decisions.
He noted that the committee’s deliberations would help prepare the continent for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) scheduled to hold in Doha, Qatar, in November, while also laying the groundwork for the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26).
Maida said the preparatory committee would review the activities of the ATU between 2023 and 2026 and consider recommendations that would strengthen Africa’s participation in global telecommunications governance.
He identified spectrum harmonisation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital identity, data protection and universal connectivity as some of the issues requiring closer cooperation among African regulators.
“Our objective is not to resist global standards. It is to help shape standards that are globally sound and sufficiently informed by African realities.
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“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 said.
The NCC boss also advocated sustained engagement by African experts in ITU study groups, technical committees and regional preparatory meetings, saying the continent must participate in developing international standards from the outset instead of reacting after key decisions have been made.
“A common African position will command attention only when it is supported by technical rigour. We need to identify and support our experts, maintain continuity in representation and ensure African perspectives are present when standards and frameworks are being developed,” he added.
He proposed a permanent mechanism for collaboration among African telecommunications regulators beyond conference meetings through technical working groups, designated national focal points, regular coordination and the sharing of technical evidence.
Maida maintained that the success of the Abuja meeting should be measured by Africa’s ability to leave with stronger alignment ahead of PP-26, a practical framework for continuous collaboration and renewed commitment to sustained technical participation in global telecommunications processes.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, said the conference was a critical platform for strengthening the governance of the African Telecommunications Union.
Gagare said the recommendations of the preparatory committee would provide the foundation for decisions to be taken at the forthcoming Conference of Plenipotentiaries.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with member states and stakeholders to promote regional digital integration, innovation and sustainable socio-economic development across Africa.
The meeting brought together ministers, telecommunications regulators, heads of delegations, diplomats and industry stakeholders from across the continent to harmonise African positions ahead of major continental and global telecommunications conferences.
