NCC Advocates Unified African Telecom Strategy at ATU Conference in Abuja.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its support for a unified African approach to telecommunications and digital economy policies, commending the African Telecommunication Union (ATU) for promoting a common continental position ahead of major international engagements.

The commendation was made by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, during the ongoing ATU Conference Abuja 2026. The event also saw the election of the NCC’s Director of Internal Audit, Stella Erebor, as Chairperson of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries of the 7th Ordinary Session.

Dr. Maida described Nigeria’s hosting of the conference as a reflection of Africa’s commitment to strengthening regional collaboration and speaking with one voice on issues that will shape the future of telecommunications and the digital economy.

“Nigeria is proud to host this gathering and proud of what it represents—Africa’s determination to prepare together and to speak with greater coherence on the issues shaping the future of telecommunications and the digital economy,” he said.

He emphasised that African nations must move beyond dialogue at conferences by developing technically sound and coordinated positions that can effectively influence global telecommunications policies.

According to Maida, the preparatory committee plays a vital role in defining Africa’s priorities ahead of key international telecommunications meetings, ensuring the continent presents a united front on critical policy issues.

During the two-day conference, delegates are reviewing the activities of the African Telecommunication Union between 2023 and 2026 while preparing the agenda, resolutions and recommendations for the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26).

Participants are also assessing Africa’s preparations for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, in November.

Maida explained that although the two conferences serve different purposes, they are closely connected. He noted that CPL-26 will define the strategic direction and priorities of the African

Telecommunication Union, while ITU PP-26 will determine the leadership, policies and future direction of the global telecommunications body.

He stressed that Africa’s preparations should reinforce the ATU’s role as the continent’s coordinating institution while positioning African countries to play a stronger role in global telecommunications governance.

The NCC Executive Vice Chairman also highlighted several emerging challenges facing the telecommunications sector, including cross-border spectrum harmonisation, governance of artificial intelligence, data protection frameworks to support digital trade, expanding connectivity to underserved communities and addressing growing cybersecurity threats across national borders.

“The issues before us are increasingly complex and interconnected. No administration can address these challenges effectively in isolation. Our regulatory cooperation must therefore become more continuous, more technical and more institutionalised,” Maida stated.

The ATU Conference Abuja 2026 has brought together telecommunications regulators, policymakers and industry stakeholders from across the continent to strengthen regional cooperation and develop common African positions on emerging digital policy issues ahead of important global negotiations.