Nigerian govt calls for deeper cooperation among ATU member states 

The African Telecommunication Union, ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries, CPL-26 has concluded in Abuja on Friday with the election of Mwale Kezias from the Republic of Zambia as the new Secretary-General.

The ATU was hosted by the Federal government of Nigeria and the host nation, along six others, Burkina Faso, Mali, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Togo were appointed into the Administrative Council of the ATU for West Africa.

Nigeria’s Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Tijani, on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, congratulated the new ATU leader and wished him a successful tenure.

Speaking at the closing ceremony after assuming the Chairmanship on behalf of Nigeria, the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, called on African nations to continue strengthening cooperation as they work towards a shared digital future.

“Every discussion, every decision, every compromise has reflected a shared commitment and belief that Africa’s digital future is stronger when we work together. The outcomes of this Conference are a testament not only to the strength of our institutions, but also to the collective determination of the people gathered here.”

He further noted that the Conference had reinforced the importance of sustained collaboration across the continent, adding: “The decisions we have taken over the past two days will only achieve their intended impact if we continue to work together with purpose, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to ensuring that every African benefits from the opportunities of the digital economy.”

The Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, earlier called on telecommunications regulators across Africa to establish a more intentional, systematic, and beneficial exchange of experiences for their organizations.

The EVC highlighted that communications have become pivotal to the economies of nations globally for various reasons, noting that the challenges faced by regulatory bodies are indeed complex.

“We may oversee markets of varying sizes, function under distinct legal frameworks, and address different national priorities. However, the realities of our responsibilities are often strikingly similar. In fact, discussions among regulators seldom remain casual for an extended period,” he said.

Meanwhile, Engr Kezias triumphed over Banzouzi Luc Missidimbazi from the Republic of Congo, Bayouli Fasal from Tunisia, Ms. Lesufi Cynthia from South Africa, and Valery Hilaire Otou from Cameroon in this fiercely contested election.

Kezias will succeed John Omo from the Republic of Kenya, who has completed two consecutive four-year terms.

The outgoing Secretary General of the ATU John Omo, described the successful conclusion of the Conference as an important milestone for the Union, noting that “Member States have completed the work of the Conference. The Union now has a mandate for its next period and a firmer basis on which to deliver it.”

He urged Member States to sustain the momentum created in Abuja, adding that “the Conference has completed its work, but the work of the Union continues. May we carry these decisions forward with the same trust, friendship and common purpose that have brought us this far.”

During the closing ceremony, Algeria formally transferred the Chairmanship of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries to Nigeria, commending Nigeria’s readiness to lead the Conference for the next institutional cycle and expressing confidence in the country’s stewardship.

In his acceptance speech, Kezias pledged to serve every member state with impartiality, integrity, transparency, and dedication, adding, “I will work and serve closely with governments, regulators, policymakers, the private sector, academia, and civil society, development partners, and all stakeholders to build a stronger, more responsive, and forward-looking ATU.

“I look forward to drawing upon the wisdom, expertise, and goodwill of my fellow candidates, as partners in advancing the aspirations of our union and our continent, I accept this mandate with deep sense of responsibility, mindful that leadership is not a privilege to be enjoyed, but a trust to be honored and ready-guarded.

“Our continent has the talent, their innovation, creativity, and the determination to shape its own digital future. Our responsibility, therefore, is to ensure that no country, no community, and no citizen, especially the child, especially the woman, especially are left behind.”