*The Nigerian Government urges greater unity among African countries, to advance shared priorities and strengthen the continent’s influence in international decision-making, especially as Africa pushes for a stronger voice and influence in shaping the future of global telecoms and digital innovation ecosystem
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
The Nigerian Government has advocated greater unity among African countries, to advance shared priorities and strengthen the continent’s influence in international decision-making.
This push for enhanced scope of influence comes, especially as Africa seeks a stronger voice in shaping the future of global telecoms and digital innovation.
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ConsumerConnect reports Nigeria made the call at the recent 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries, held in Abuja, FCT.
Policymakers, regulators and industry leaders from across the continent converged on Abuja to chart a common course for Africa’s digital future ahead of key international telecoms engagements.
Nigerian Vice-President (Senator) Kashim Shettima, GCON, spoke on future competitiveness and ability of the African continent to leverage digital technologies.
Shettima, represented at the forum by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice-President), stressed that Africa’s future competitiveness would depend largely on its ability to leverage digital technologies and deepen regional cooperation for enhanced development.
Investments in connectivity, Broadband infrastructure and new techs
Underscoring the strategic importance of improving public service delivery, Vice-President Shettima noted that Broadband infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, satellite communications and secure digital networks have become critical drivers of economic growth, innovation and public service delivery in Africa
He emphasised the need for coordinated action among African countries, to expand connectivity, strengthen cybersecurity and promote responsible innovation.
Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Director of Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Sunday, July 26, 2026, also stated Shettima said: “For Africa, this presents both an enormous opportunity and a profound responsibility.
“No single nation, regardless of its size or resources, can fully realise Africa’s digital ambitions in isolation.
“Our future depends on collaboration.”
Tijani highlights significance of APLAS Network initiative for accelerated development
Speaking at the conference also, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), underscored the importance of coordinated African participation in global digital policy and innovation ecosystems.
Tijani highlighted the launch of the APLAS Network, which builds on Nigeria’s N-ATLAS initiative to accelerate the development of locally relevant large language models, and promote greater representation of African languages in Artificial Intelligence technologies.
The Minister also stated that Africa must continue to invest in home-grown innovation, and ensure that emerging technologies reflect the continent’s unique realities, cultures and development priorities.
Nigeria committed to regional cooperation for Africa’s one voice in global telecoms, says Dr. Maida
In his presentation at the 7th Ordinary Session of the ATU, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, described the conference as a critical platform for building consensus on issues central to Africa’s telecoms future and representation in global institutions.
Maida said Africa’s ability to advance its interests internationally would be enhanced through a “united and coordinated approach.
He equally reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation and supporting initiatives that strengthen Africa’s voice in global telecommunications policy discussions.
He further stated: “This is a very important moment for us in Nigeria, especially because of the elections coming up in which we will be contesting for some positions.
“As I mentioned during the opening ceremony, Africa’s unity in taking decision is important as we move forward and secure our place in the telecommunications sector.”
The EVC/CEO of the telecoms sector regulatory Commission reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation and strengthening Africa’s voice in global telecommunications policy and governance.
Maida said closer collaboration among African administrations would support efforts at promoting digital inclusion, accelerating infrastructure development, and positioning the continent to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
Earlier, in his remarks on the occasion, John Omo, Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union, commended Nigeria and its partners for successfully hosting the conference.
Omo emphasised the importance of sustaining a common African voice in advancing the continent’s telecoms and digital development objectives.
Likewise, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), stronger African participation in shaping the global digital agenda, encouraging the continent to become a creator, innovator, contributor to future technologies and standards.
The conference also provided a platform for African candidates and member states seeking election or re-election to positions within the ITU ahead of the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference.
Participants in the conference, in Abuja, as well agreed that a united African position remains essential to promoting the continent’s telecoms, innovation and digital development aspirations.
The NCC emphasised that Nigeria’s hosting of the conference has underscored its commitment to advancing regional cooperation, driving digital transformation, and supporting a stronger African presence in global telecoms governance.