*Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission, discloses the meeting at the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union Conference held to prepare Africa’s common positions ahead of the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), holding in Doha, Qatar, later 2026
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
As veritable measure to enhance the continent’s influence in shaping global telecommunications and digital economy policies, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has advocated stronger collaboration among African countries.
ConsumerConnect reports Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, stated this during the opening ceremony of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference Preparatory Committee, Tuesday, July 22, 2026, in Abuja, FCT.
Maida said: “The meeting was convened to prepare Africa’s common positions ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) scheduled to hold in Doha, Qatar, later this year.”
Welcoming delegates from across the African continent, the EVC/CEO of the Commission described the gathering of delegates as an important platform for building consensus on issues that would shape the future of telecommunications and the digital economy.
Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Director, Public Affairs Department at NCC, Monday, July 20, stated Dr. Maida said “that 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.”
The NCC noted the Executive Vice-Chairman averred that “the Conference Preparatory Committee plays a critical role in strengthening Africa’s participation in global telecommunications policy discussions by enabling administrations to harmonise perspectives and develop technically sound common positions ahead of major international meetings.”
He equally 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).
According to him, the Committee would also examine Africa’s preparations for ITU PP-26, where key decisions affecting the future direction of the global telecommunications sector will be taken.
The Chief Executive of the telecoms sector regulator emphasised the need for more continuous and institutionalised regulatory cooperation among African administrations.
Maida as well explained that emerging issues, such as spectrum harmonisation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, digital trust, data protection, and universal access require sustained collaboration beyond periodic conferences.
In regard to the strategic importance of collaboration among countries on the continent, he stressed the need to strengthen Africa’s technical participation in international telecommunications processes, including study groups, technical committees and regional preparatory meetings where standards and frameworks are developed.
A stronger African voice in global decision-making must be supported by technical expertise, credible evidence and consistent engagement, stated the EVC/CEO of NCC.
Besides, Maida underlined the significance of ensuring that African perspectives are adequately reflected in global discussions on digital transformation.
He stated the continent’s growing digital economy, expanding connectivity, and youthful population make contributions of digital transformation increasingly significant to the future of the global ICT ecosystem.
Acknowledging the contributions of the ATU Secretariat under the leadership of Secretary-General, Mr. John Omo, Maida commended the Union’s efforts at promoting a more coordinated African voice within the ITU and other international platforms.
The Executive Vice-Chairman reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the ATU and advancing continental cooperation through the sharing of regulatory expertise, peer learning and active participation in regional and international telecommunications initiatives.
Maida, therefore, expressed the hope that, “the session would result in 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.”