The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has urged African countries to deepen regulatory and technical collaboration to strengthen the continent’s influence in global telecommunications policymaking ahead of the International Telecommunication Union, ITU, Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 in Doha, Qatar.
According to reports, in a statement signed by Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Director of Public Affairs Department at the NCC, the Abuja meeting was convened to harmonize Africa’s positions ahead of ITU PP-26 later this year. She noted that the call was made by Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC during the opening ceremony of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) conference preparatory committee meeting. held at Abuja on Monday July 20, 2026.
Welcoming delegates from across the continent, Maida described the preparatory session as a critical platform for building consensus on issues that will define the future of telecommunications and the digital economy.
“Africa’s influence in international forums depends on the quality of its preparation, the coherence of its positions, and the consistency with which member states advance shared priorities,” he said.
He noted that the Conference Preparatory Committee has a key role in enabling member states to align perspectives and develop technically sound common positions before major global meetings.
Maida explained further that participants will review ATU’s activities from 2023 to 2026 and draft recommendations, decisions and resolutions for the upcoming ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries, CPL-26.
He emphasized that a major focus will also be Africa’s strategy for ITU PP-26, where decisions on spectrum, governance, and digital policy that will shape the global telecoms sector are expected.
It was disclosed that the NCC boss stressed that cooperation must go beyond one-off conferences. He identified priority areas requiring sustained collaboration to include spectrum harmonisation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital trust, data protection, and universal access.
NCC Seeks Stronger African Voice at ITU
Maida further called for increased African participation in ITU study groups, technical committees, and regional preparatory meetings where international standards and frameworks are developed.
“A stronger African voice in global decision-making must be supported by technical expertise, credible evidence and consistent engagement,” he said.
He also highlighted Africa’s demographic and economic advantages, noting that the continent’s expanding digital economy, rising connectivity, and youthful population make its input vital to global ICT discussions.
However, the NCC EVC commended the ATU Secretariat under Secretary-General, Mr. John Omo, for driving a more coordinated African position within the ITU and other international platforms.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to support the ATU through sharing regulatory expertise, peer learning, and active participation in regional and global telecoms initiatives.
Maida further expressed optimism that the Abuja session would produce “greater African alignment ahead of PP-26, stronger mechanisms for inter-conference collaboration and renewed commitment to sustained technical participation in international telecommunications policy processes.”
Also in attendance were Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC; Ms. Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, Director General, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, South Africa; Mr. John Omo, Secretary General, ATU; and Engr. Nadungu Gagare, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy.
Notably, the ATU preparatory meeting comes months ahead of ITU PP-26 in Doha, where member states will elect ITU leadership and set the union’s strategic direction for the next four years.
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