The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for greater spectrum harmonisation among African countries ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) conference scheduled to hold in Doha, Qatar, later this year.
Speaking at the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries, Ambassadors and Heads of Telecommunications Regulatory Bodies in Abuja, NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Wada Maida, said African nations must align their policy positions to attract investment and expand digital infrastructure.
Maida stressed that coordinated regulatory efforts would strengthen digital inclusion across the continent while improving economic growth through better telecommunications development.
He also urged African countries to establish stronger frameworks for data protection, artificial intelligence governance, universal digital access and cybersecurity, noting that these challenges require collective solutions rather than isolated national efforts.
According to him, Africa must begin shaping global telecommunications standards instead of merely adapting to decisions already taken by other regions. He called for consistent collaboration and technical coordination before international negotiations.
The NCC boss encouraged member states to support African experts, maintain continuity in representation and ensure the continent presents unified, technically sound proposals at the upcoming ITU conference.
He noted that Africa’s rapid growth in mobile connectivity, digital financial services and internet adoption makes it essential for the continent to influence global policies on spectrum management, AI, digital identity and digital trust.
ATU Secretary General Dr. John Omo commended Nigeria for hosting the conference and revealed that the union’s membership has expanded significantly over the past four years. He added that the organisation has strengthened Africa’s collective voice on issues including spectrum management, satellite communications, cybersecurity, internet governance and digital infrastructure resilience.
