In the aftermath of the 2023 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC), Nigeria has aligned itself with the international community by formally endorsing the Final Acts WRC-23, encapsulating the decisions made during the conference. This comprehensive document encompasses both the fresh and amended provisions of the Radio Regulations, an international treaty dictating the utilization of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.
According to NCC Director, Public Affairs Reuben Muoka, representing Nigeria at this critical juncture was Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, who was accompanied by Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat Ltd).
The WRC-2023, a global inter-governmental treaty conference convened every three to four years by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations-affiliated organization, serves as the forum where countries come together to address and concur on agenda items. The outcome is the signing of an updated Final Acts, embodying consensus decisions.
According to an official statement from the ITU, the ratified Radio Regulations identify novel spectrum resources geared towards supporting technological advancements, amplifying global connectivity, fostering equitable utilization of space-based radio resources, and bolstering safety across land, air, and sea domains.
Key decisions reached at the conference include the allocation of spectrum for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), a pivotal move in expanding broadband connectivity and advancing IMT mobile services, encompassing 4G, 5G, and future 6G technologies. Additionally, the conference earmarked new frequencies for non-geostationary fixed-satellite service Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs), crucial for providing high-speed broadband services on aircraft, vessels, trains, and vehicles, especially in the aftermath of disasters where local communication infrastructure is compromised.
Provisions were also instituted to safeguard ship and aircraft mobile service stations in international airspace and waters from interference by other stations within national territories.
The Nigerian delegation at WRC-23 comprised seasoned engineers and experts in telecommunications and satellite regulations from various entities, including the Ministry, NCC, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), NigComSat Ltd, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), telecom operators, and other stakeholders in the Nigerian telecommunications industry.
Expressing gratitude to the delegation, Dr. Bosun Tijani acknowledged the sacrifices made for the collective benefit of Nigeria’s future. He urged the delegation to proactively prepare for future conferences, emphasizing the need for capacity development through extensive research and inter-agency collaboration.
In a separate engagement with the Nigerian delegation, Dr. Aminu Maida commended their collaborative efforts and underscored the conference’s profound significance for Nigeria. He highlighted the far-reaching impact of the agreements on spectrum resources, benefiting ordinary Nigerians by enhancing service quality and narrowing the digital divide in rural areas.
Dr. Maida emphasized that the decisions made at the conference align with Nigeria’s overarching objectives and the strategic plan of the Ministry. This plan prioritizes expanding broadband connectivity, harmonizing with the global transition to 5G and future 6G technologies, and ensuring equitable access for all Nigerians.
