NCC Urges African Nations to Present United Front at 2026 Global Telecom Conference
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged African countries to strengthen collaboration and adopt a common position ahead of the 2026 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Conference, saying a unified approach will enable the continent to play a greater role in shaping global telecommunications and digital economy policies.
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, stressed the need for African nations to coordinate their efforts and present technically sound, harmonised proposals at international forums.
According to him, the two-day preparatory meeting is designed to improve Africa’s coordination before the ITU conference, establish stronger mechanisms for cooperation among member states, and deepen the continent’s participation in global telecommunications decision-making.
Maida said Africa’s influence on international digital policy would depend not on the size of its delegations but on the strength of its preparations and the consistency of its positions.
He noted that the committee would review ATU activities between 2023 and 2026 while developing agenda items, resolutions and recommendations for the union’s 18th Conference.
The NCC boss identified critical areas requiring closer cooperation among African regulators, including spectrum management, artificial intelligence governance, cybersecurity, data protection, universal access and digital infrastructure development.
He maintained that no country could effectively tackle these issues independently, calling for stronger institutional and technical collaboration across the continent.
“Our goal is not to oppose global standards but to contribute meaningfully to their development in ways that reflect Africa’s unique realities,” Maida said.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, described the meeting as an important step toward advancing Africa’s digital transformation agenda.
He said greater collaboration among member states had become essential in an era of rapid technological advancement, expressing confidence that the committee’s recommendations would promote inclusive and sustainable digital development across the continent.
In his remarks, ATU Secretary-General John Omo said the preparatory committee serves as a key platform for harmonising proposals and enabling member states to adopt common positions before global conferences.
Omo disclosed that ATU membership has expanded from 49 to 52 countries, while associate members have increased from 50 to 56. He added that 18 African academic institutions are now participating in the union’s activities.
He highlighted achievements in broadband expansion, satellite communications, spectrum coordination, internet governance, rural connectivity, standardisation and digital infrastructure resilience.
The ATU Secretary-General, however, expressed concern over irregular financial contributions by some member states, warning that stable funding is necessary to sustain the union’s programmes.
He also announced that the forthcoming ATU conference would elect a new Secretary-General and members of the Administrative Council for the 2027–2031 term.
Omo commended Nigeria for hosting the meeting, which attracted delegates from governments, academia, industry and development organisations to discuss the future of telecommunications and digital development across Africa.
