Aminu Maida Urges African Unity for ITU Conference in Doha

Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission Aminu Maida urged African nations to unify their technical positions and enhance collaboration to secure leadership in global telecommunications governance. Speaking during the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference Preparatory Committee and the African Heads of Regulators Roundtable in Abuja, Maida argued that Africa's influence in digital policy depends on rigorous preparation and coherence rather than the size of its delegations.

Maida identified spectrum harmonization, artificial intelligence governance, cybersecurity, and data protection as critical areas requiring coordinated responses. He emphasized that African perspectives must be integrated from the beginning of the policy-making process to ensure global standards are informed by regional realities ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) scheduled for later this year in Doha, Qatar.

During the proceedings, Stella Erebor, an NCC director, was elected as the chairperson of the ATU's conference preparatory committee. Additionally, NCC Executive Commissioner Rimini Makama advocated for a continental platform to share regulatory data and evidence-based insights to improve consumer-focused decision-making. While ATU Secretary-General John Omo reported growth in membership and advancements in satellite communications, he noted that irregular membership contributions continue to hinder the union's operational efficiency.