Nigeria has called upon African nations to come together in shaping the continent’s digital future, advocating for enhanced cooperation in telecommunications, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure in anticipation of significant global policy discussions.
This as the Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, emphasized the necessity for telecommunications regulators across Africa to establish a more intentional, systematic, and beneficial exchange of experiences for their organizations.
This appeal was made during the African Telecommunications Union, ATU, Conference held in Abuja, where Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, emphasized the necessity for Africa to adopt a unified stance prior to the 2026 International Telecommunication Union, ITU, Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, Qatar.
In his address welcoming delegates on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima characterized the conference as a vital forum for Africa to reach consensus on matters that will influence the future of global telecommunications and digital advancement.
He pointed out that digital technology has emerged as a key driver of economic growth, public service delivery, and youth empowerment, underscoring that broadband infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, satellite communications, and secure digital networks are now as critical to national development as traditional infrastructures like roads, railways, and electricity.
Shettima stated, “Digital technology transcends being merely an enabler of development. It has evolved into one of the primary drivers. The competitiveness of nations, the productivity of economies, the provision of public services, and the opportunities available to our youth are
