By Majeed Salaam
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reinforced its position as a leading driver of Africa’s digital transformation following Nigeria’s successful hosting of the 26th African Telecommunications Union Conference of Plenipotentiaries (ATU CPL 2026), a landmark gathering that united African nations to develop a common telecommunications agenda ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference later this year.
Held in Abuja, the week-long conference brought together telecommunications regulators, policymakers and government representatives from member states of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) to deliberate on strategic issues shaping the continent’s digital future. Under the coordination of the NCC, the conference produced a unified African position on key global telecommunications matters, reinforcing the continent’s commitment to stronger regional cooperation.
Speaking after the conference, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, described the event as a major success that reflected Africa’s shared determination to advance inclusive digital transformation through collaboration.
According to him, delegates spent seven productive days exchanging ideas, debating diverse perspectives, building consensus and strengthening partnerships that will enhance Africa’s engagement at the forthcoming ITU Plenipotentiary Conference.
“We exchanged ideas, debated diverse perspectives, built consensus and reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing Africa’s digital future through stronger regional cooperation,” Maida stated.
For the NCC, the successful hosting of ATU CPL 2026 represents more than an international conference. It demonstrates Nigeria’s growing capacity to convene high-level digital policy discussions while positioning the commission as a key institution driving regional telecommunications cooperation.
The commission noted that the conference marked a significant milestone in Africa’s digital journey, with member states aligning behind a common vision for innovation, digital inclusion and sustainable connectivity.
In its assessment of the conference, the NCC stated that African countries gathered in Abuja with a shared commitment to strengthening regional collaboration and speaking with one united voice ahead of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference.
According to the commission, the meeting reaffirmed Africa’s collective resolve to advance inclusive digital transformation, foster innovation and shape a stronger, more connected digital future under the theme: ‘One Africa. One Voice. One Digital Future.’
The conference comes at a critical period for Africa’s digital economy, as governments across the continent intensify efforts to expand broadband infrastructure, improve digital access and develop policies that support emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and satellite communications.
By facilitating consensus among member states, the NCC has contributed to ensuring that Africa enters global telecommunications negotiations with coordinated positions capable of advancing the continent’s interests.
Dr. Maida also acknowledged the leadership of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, whose support, alongside the efforts of the Ministry and industry stakeholders, enabled Nigeria to host the conference successfully.
He said the collaborative efforts of the Ministry, the NCC and other stakeholders ensured that Nigeria provided an excellent platform for one of Africa’s most important telecommunications policy engagements.
Beyond the formal sessions, Dr. Maida said the conference created valuable opportunities for regulators to exchange experiences and strengthen professional relationships across the continent.
According to him, discussions with counterparts from other African countries offered fresh perspectives on common regulatory challenges while reinforcing the importance of collaboration in addressing shared priorities such as spectrum management, consumer protection, digital infrastructure and regional connectivity.
These engagements, he noted, will further enhance cooperation among African regulators as the continent continues to pursue digital integration and economic development.
Looking ahead, the NCC reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to representing Africa effectively at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled for November.
Dr. Maida said Nigeria remains committed to serving as a strong, constructive and reliable voice for Africa while pursuing re-election to the ITU Council, where the country seeks to continue contributing to global telecommunications policy and promoting Africa’s collective interests.
The conference also witnessed a significant leadership transition within the African Telecommunications Union.
The NCC congratulated Engr. Kezias Kazuba Mwale of Zambia on his election as Secretary-General of the ATU for the 2027 to 2031 term, expressing confidence that his leadership would deepen regional cooperation and accelerate telecommunications development across Africa.
Dr. Maida equally commended the outgoing Secretary-General, Mr. John Omo, for his eight years of dedicated service and leadership, describing his contribution as instrumental to the growth of the Union.
The successful conclusion of ATU CPL 2026 reinforces the NCC’s expanding role beyond domestic telecommunications regulation into regional digital diplomacy and international policy engagement.
As Africa prepares to participate in global telecommunications discussions later this year, the Commission’s leadership in convening the conference has strengthened regional consensus on issues that will shape the continent’s digital future.
