Nigeria Rallies ATU On Africa’s Telecommunication, Digital Development Ahead Of Doha Conference

The Nigerian government has taken a significant step to mobilise Member States of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) to forge a common position on issues that will shape the future of global telecommunications and digital development, which concerns the continent.

This was the focus of the ongoing 7th Ordinary Session of the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26) at the Ministerial level in Abuja on Thursday, ahead of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries that will come up in November in Doha, Qatar.

This meeting was preceded by the Conference Preparatory Committee and the   African Heads of Regulators Roundtable in Abuja between Monday and Tuesday.

The Vice President Kashim Shettima in his remarks said digital technology is more than merely an enabler of development, stressing that it has become one of the principal drivers.

He added that the competitiveness of nations, the productivity of economies, the delivery of public services, and the opportunities available to young people are increasingly determined by the strength of the digital ecosystems.

Represented by the deputy chief of staff to the president, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, the Nigerian Vice President said no single nation, regardless of size or resources, can fully realize Africa’s digital ambitions in isolation adding that the future depends on collaboration.

“We must work together to expand affordable connectivity, strengthen cyber security, promote responsible AI governance, harmonize standards, improve spectrum management, and accelerate digital trade across our continent.

“This is precisely why institutions such as the ATU remain indispensable. They provide the platform through which Africa can coordinate its priorities, build consensus, and speak with greater influence on matters affecting our shared digital future.

“Our collective efforts are guided by the clear vision of the African Union through Agenda 2063 and the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa,” he said.

He pointed out that digital transformation is not an end in itself but a channel to create jobs, improve education, strengthen healthcare, deepen financial inclusion, empower women and young people, and foster sustainable economic growth.

He pledged Nigeria’s commitment to the agenda, stressing that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria will continue to prioritise investments in broadband expansion, digital infrastructure, innovation, artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, cyber security, and the development of a globally competitive digital workforce.

Nigerian Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani in his remarks, said the conference reflects shared commitment to advancing Africa’s digital transformation through cooperation and collective leadership.

“The conference is where Africa reflects on its progress and chats a common cause for its future. At the time digital technologies are reshaping economies and societies at an unprecedented pace, our responsibility to work together has never been greater and today we gathered to strengthen the partnerships and shared resolutions that will ensure that Africa continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of telecommunications and digital economy,” the minister said.

He called for reforms to be completed to strengthen and create new opportunities to connect national experiences into a foundation for continental action so that every successful national initiative becomes an opportunity for Africa and a shared challenge becomes one that the region is better equipped to solve together.

Speaking about the Doha conference, Tijani said “Africa must arrive at Doha, prepared, united and credible.  We must continue to invest in technical preparation, strengthen regional cooperation and speak with one voice where our interests align. And where global digital rules are being shaped Africa must be ready to participate and help shape outcomes that will protect our people, our economies and our future.

The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr. Aminu Maida called for more concerted efforts to tackle challenges in the sector even as he tasked stakeholders to present a united front in shaping Africa’s future within the global digital arena.

“It 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. Africa’s unity is paramount in taking decisions as we move forward and secure our place in the telecommunications sectors,” he noted.

ATU Secretary General John Omo, in his remarks, commended the Nigerian government for its enormous contributions to the union, saying the conference will review the union’s institutional, financial, and strategic direction, as well as the framework that should guide ATU in the next cycle.

“We will take decisions on leadership, on resources, on priorities and on the imperatives for Africa’s preparations for the ITU 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference,” he said.

Also speaking, ITU Secretary General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said: “Africa will not simply participate in the digital future, Africa will help shape it.”

She added that networks are expanding across the continent, and digital public infrastructure is transforming public service delivery, with Africa’s young population driving innovation.

She commended the ATU-UTU partnership, which she said made significant achievements in radio communications, standardisation, and digital development.

She expressed optimism that during the ITU conference in Doha, Africa will present a “strong and united voice, which will be essential in defining the Union’s priorities, presence and direction in the next four years.”