The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for stronger collaboration among African countries to present a unified and technically coordinated position at the 2026 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Conference.
Speaking at the opening of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference Preparatory Committee meeting in Abuja on Monday, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said Africa must strengthen cooperation to influence global telecommunications and digital economy policies.
Maida said the two-day meeting aims to achieve greater continental alignment ahead of ITU 2026, establish practical collaboration mechanisms between conferences, and promote sustained technical participation in ITU processes.
He stressed that effective preparation was essential to building consensus, urging African countries to work together and present coherent, technically sound solutions at global telecommunications forums.
According to him, the committee will review ATU activities from 2023 to 2026, prepare agenda items and recommendations for the 18th ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries, and assess Africa’s readiness for the ITU 2026 Conference.
Maida noted that Africa’s influence at international forums would depend more on the quality of its preparation, consistency, and unified positions than on the size of its delegations. He identified spectrum management, artificial intelligence governance, data protection, universal access, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure development as key areas requiring stronger regional cooperation.
He also called for greater involvement of African experts in global technical discussions to ensure international standards reflect the continent’s realities, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the ITU process through technical expertise, regulatory collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, described the meeting as crucial to advancing Africa’s digital transformation agenda.
He expressed confidence that the committee’s recommendations would strengthen the ATU’s capacity to drive inclusive and sustainable digital development across the continent.
Also speaking, ATU Secretary-General John Omo said the preparatory committee plays a vital role in harmonising member states’ positions ahead of the main conference.
He disclosed that ATU membership has increased from 49 to 52 countries, while associate membership has grown to 56, with 18 African academic institutions now participating in the union’s activities.
Omo highlighted progress in broadband development, satellite communications, spectrum coordination, internet governance, rural connectivity, standardisation, and digital infrastructure resilience. However, he expressed concern over irregular financial contributions from some member states, noting that predictable funding is critical for implementing the union’s programmes.
He added that the forthcoming ATU Conference would elect members of the Administrative Council and appoint a Secretary-General for the 2027–2031 term, while thanking the Nigerian government, the NCC, and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy for hosting the preparatory meeting.
The meeting brought together representatives of African governments, industry stakeholders, academia, and development partners to deliberate on the future of telecommunications and digital development across the continent.