By Zainab Bakare
The Federal Government has called for greater African unity in shaping global telecommunications policies, urging countries across the continent to adopt common positions and deepen technical cooperation to strengthen Africa’s influence on the global digital landscape.
The call was made by the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (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 Africa’s impact in global telecommunications would be determined by coordinated engagement, strong technical preparation and a unified voice rather than the size of individual national delegations.
He noted that the meeting would help develop Africa’s common positions ahead of the African Telecommunications Union Conference of Plenipotentiaries and the 2026 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference.
The NCC boss identified cross-border spectrum management, artificial intelligence governance, cybersecurity, data protection and universal access as critical issues requiring closer collaboration among African nations.
According to him, no single country on the continent can effectively tackle these emerging digital challenges alone, stressing the need for sustained regulatory cooperation, regular technical engagement and the sharing of expertise.
Maida also encouraged member states to participate actively in the development of global telecommunications standards from the drafting stage, ensuring Africa’s priorities and interests are reflected in international policy decisions.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the African Telecommunications Union through technical expertise, regulatory experience and stronger regional partnerships aimed at accelerating digital integration and sustainable development across Africa.
