Africa must unite to take leadership of global telecommunications – NCC boss, Maida

The Executive Vice Chairman, EVC, and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, has warned that Africa may jeopardize its standing in global telecommunications governance unless nations on the continent enhance collaboration and present unified, technically sound positions at international forums.

During the opening of the 7th Ordinary Session of the Conference Preparatory Committee, CPC, of the African Telecommunications Union, ATU, in Abuja on Monday, Maida emphasized that Africa’s influence in global digital policy will be dictated by the quality of its preparations rather than the size of its delegations.

Representing the NCC, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, Maida informed delegates that “preparation is not merely a procedural step, but the foundation upon which influence is established”.

He indicated that the ongoing conference should yield three significant outcomes: enhanced African alignment in advance of the International Telecommunication Union, ITU, Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) in Doha, the creation of practical mechanisms for collaboration between conferences, and ongoing technical participation in ITU processes.

According to him, Africa must engage in international negotiations with unified positions that are both coherent and technically sound. Maida elaborated that the committee would assess the activities of the ATU from 2023 to 2026 and formulate recommendations for the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26), while also finalizing Africa’s preparations for the ITU PP-26 scheduled for Doha later this year.

He said that while CPL-26 would set the strategic direction for the ATU, the ITU conference would establish the priorities and leadership of the global telecommunications organization.

The head of the NCC highlighted several key policy issues that necessitate coordinated responses across Africa, including spectrum harmonisation, governance of artificial intelligence, data protection, universal access, digital identity, and cybersecurity.

He emphasized that no nation can effectively tackle these cross-border challenges independently and called for enhanced institutional collaboration among African regulators.

“Coordination should not commence solely when a conference agenda is distributed, nor should it conclude when delegates exit the venue,” Maida stated.

He suggested ongoing collaboration through established working arrangements, appointed national focal points, regular technical coordination meetings, and shared access to research and evidence to bolster Africa’s unified stance.

Maida also encouraged African nations to enhance their involvement in ITU study groups, technical committees, and regional preparatory meetings, pointing out that standards are frequently developed well in advance of final conferences.

“Our aim is not to oppose global standards. Rather, it is to contribute to the formation of standards that are globally relevant and adequately informed by the realities of Africa,” he remarked.

He noted that Africa’s swift growth in mobile connectivity, digital financial services, and internet usage among youth necessitates a more significant role for the continent in establishing global telecommunications standards.

Previously, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Engr. Faruk Yabo, welcomed delegates to Abuja and reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to supporting the African Telecommunications Union in promoting regional digital integration and sustainable socio-economic development.

Yabo stated that the discussions of the committee would lay the groundwork for decisions to be made at the upcoming Conference of Plenipotentiaries and further enhance the Union’s ability to foster inclusive digital development throughout Africa.

Additionally, ATU Secretary-General John Omo, who is anticipated to conclude his second term at CPL-26, expressed gratitude to Nigeria for hosting the meeting and emphasized the Union’s accomplishments over the last eight years.

He noted that ATU membership has increased from 49 to 52 member states, while associate membership has risen from 50 to 56 organizations, with academic participation now represented by 18 institutions.

Omo highlighted that the Union has made considerable advancements in spectrum management, satellite communications, submarine cable resilience, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and broadband expansion throughout Africa.

Nevertheless, he voiced concerns regarding the funding challenges confronting the organization, pointing out that the irregular payment of membership contributions has hindered planning and operational efficiency.

He called upon delegates to reassess the Union’s legal instruments and governance framework to align with its growing responsibilities in anticipation of CPL-26, where a new Secretary-General for the 2027–2031 term will be elected.

In opening the session, Maida stated that the success of the Abuja meeting would be evaluated based on Africa’s capacity to emerge with a stronger continental alignment ahead of ITU PP-26, practical mechanisms for ongoing collaboration, and a renewed commitment to technically rigorous participation in global telecommunications decision-making.

“If we accomplish these three objectives, this committee will have achieved far more than merely preparing documents for another meeting. It will have enhanced Africa’s ability to influence the decisions that will shape our digital future,” he remarked.

Africa must unite to take leadership of global telecommunications – NCC boss, Maida