FG seeks stronger African influence in global telecom policies

Nigerian Communications Commission. Photo: NCC

The Federal Government has called for stronger African coordination in shaping global telecommunications policies, saying the continent must deepen technical cooperation and present unified positions to strengthen its influence in international digital governance.

The Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, made the call on Monday at the opening of the 7th Ordinary Session of the Conference Preparatory Committee of the African Telecommunications Union in Abuja.

He said Africa’s influence in global telecommunications would depend on the quality of its preparation, technical expertise and coordinated engagement rather than the size of its delegations.

Speaking on behalf of the NCC, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Federal Government, Maida said Nigeria was proud to host the gathering, describing it as a demonstration of Africa’s resolve to prepare collectively for decisions that would shape the future of telecommunications and the digital economy.

He said, “Africa’s influence in international forums does not depend simply on the size of our delegations or the number of interventions we make. It depends on the quality of our preparation, the coherence of our positions and the consistency with which we advance them.”

According to him, African countries that engage early, build consensus and develop technically sound positions are better placed to shape international decisions.

“Where our administrations engage early, we consult different perspectives and build technically sound formal positions, Africa’s voice carries weight. Where that preparation is delayed, our influence is inevitably reduced. That is why the work in this room matters,” he added.

Maida explained that the committee would prepare resolutions, recommendations and common positions for both the forthcoming Conference of Plenipotentiaries of the African Telecommunications Union and the 2026 International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference.

He noted that while the ATU conference would determine the strategic direction of the continental telecommunications body, the ITU conference would shape the future leadership and priorities of the global telecommunications sector.

“Our work here must serve both purposes clearly, strengthening the ATU as Africa’s coordinating institution while ensuring that Africa is well prepared to participate effectively at the ITU,” he said.