The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for stronger collaboration among African countries to enhance the continent’s influence in shaping global telecommunications and digital economy policies.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, made the call at the opening of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference Preparatory Committee, held in Abuja.
Maida said the meeting provides a strategic platform for African countries to develop common positions ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), scheduled to hold in Doha, Qatar, later this year.
He welcomed delegates from across the continent, describing the gathering as an important opportunity to build consensus on issues that will shape the future of telecommunications and the digital economy in Africa.
According to him, Africa’s ability to influence international policy decisions depends on the quality of its preparations, the consistency of its positions and the extent to which member states present a united front on key issues.
Maida noted that the ATU Conference Preparatory Committee plays a critical role in strengthening Africa’s participation in global telecommunications policy discussions by enabling member countries to harmonise their perspectives and develop technically sound common positions ahead of major international meetings.
He explained that participants would, during the session, review the activities of the ATU from 2023 to 2026 and prepare recommendations, decisions and resolutions for consideration at the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26).
The NCC boss added that the outcomes of the preparatory meeting would also shape Africa’s contributions to the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, where key decisions affecting the future direction of the global telecommunications sector will be taken.
