Nigeria Rallies Africa, Urged Unified Digital Policy | ClipTV Online

Nigeria has called for stronger collaboration among African countries to advance shared digital priorities. The giant of africa also requested Africa to strengthen the continent’s influence in global telecommunications and technology governance.

The call was made during the Seventh Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Abuja. Policymakers, regulators and industry leaders gathered to chart Africa’s digital future ahead of key international telecommunications engagements.

Representing Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said Africa’s competitiveness would depend on its ability to harness digital technologies through greater regional cooperation.

He identified broadband infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, satellite communications and secure digital networks as critical drivers. Noting them as components for economic growth, innovation and public service delivery, stressing that no African nation can achieve its digital ambitions alone.

“For Africa, this presents both an enormous opportunity and a profound responsibility. No single nation, regardless of its size or resources, can fully realise Africa’s digital ambitions in isolation. Our future depends on collaboration,” he said.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, also emphasized the need for coordinated African participation in global digital policy and innovation. He highlighted the launch of the APLAS Network, an initiative building on Nigeria’s N-ATLAS programme to accelerate the development of indigenous large language models and promote African languages in artificial intelligence.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, described the conference as a strategic platform for building consensus on Africa’s telecommunications priorities and strengthening the continent’s representation in global institutions.

He said Africa would be better positioned to advance its interests internationally through unity and closer cooperation, particularly ahead of elections into key positions within the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

“We believe Africa’s unity in decision-making is essential as we move forward and secure our place in the global telecommunications sector,” Maida said.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting regional cooperation, expanding digital inclusion, accelerating infrastructure development and supporting initiatives that strengthen Africa’s voice in international telecommunications policy.

Also speaking, ATU Secretary-General John Omo commended Nigeria for successfully hosting the conference and stressed the importance of maintaining a unified African position on digital development issues.

Similarly, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin urged African countries to play a more active role in shaping the global digital agenda, encouraging the continent to become a creator, innovator and contributor to emerging technologies and international standards.

The conference also provided a platform for African candidates seeking election to leadership positions within the ITU ahead of the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, with participants agreeing that a united African front remains essential to advancing the continent’s telecommunications and digital transformation agenda.

Nigeria’s hosting of the conference underscores its growing leadership role in promoting regional cooperation and driving Africa’s digital development aspirations.

Signed:

Mrs. Nnenna UkohaDirector, Public AffairsNigerian Communications Commission July 26, 2026