At the culmination of the World Radiocommunications Conference 2023 (WRC-23), Nigeria stood in unison with the international community, signing the Final Act WRC-23. This decisive step marked Nigeria’s commitment to the new and revised provisions within the Radio Regulations, a pivotal international treaty governing the utilization of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.
Representing Nigeria, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, led the delegation alongside notable figures such as Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat Ltd).
The World Radiocommunications Conference, convened every three to four years by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), witnessed nations converging to seal the updated Final Act, delineating decisions forged during the conference’s discussions.
ITU’s statement emphasized the updated Radio Regulations’ role in fostering technological innovation, global connectivity, equitable space-based radio resource utilization, and bolstering safety across air, land, and sea.
Key resolutions from WRC-23 include allocating spectrum for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), pivotal for expanding broadband connectivity and developing advanced mobile services like 4G, 5G, and the upcoming 6G.
Furthermore, the conference earmarked new frequencies for non-geostationary fixed-satellite service Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs), crucial for delivering high-speed broadband on aircraft, vessels, trains, and vehicles. These satellite services also serve as vital communication alternatives during disasters, supplementing damaged or destroyed local infrastructure.
To safeguard ship and aircraft mobile service stations in international airspace and waters, protective provisions were integrated within the Radio Regulations.
Nigeria’s delegation, a formidable assembly of telecommunications and satellite experts from various agencies, industry practitioners, and operators, played a pivotal role in the conference’s deliberations.
Dr. Bosun Tijani lauded the delegation’s efforts, highlighting their sacrifices for Nigeria’s future. Encouraging readiness for future conferences, Tijani stressed the importance of capacity development through extensive research and inter-agency collaboration.
Dr. Aminu Maida echoed gratitude for the collaborative effort of the delegation, underlining the paramount significance of WRC-23 for Nigeria. He emphasized the far-reaching impact of the agreements on stakeholders, envisaging enhanced service quality and narrowed digital divides across rural Nigeria.
The decisions made at WRC-23 align with Nigeria’s strategic objectives, particularly in expanding broadband connectivity, integrating 5G and future 6G technologies, and ensuring equitable access for all Nigerians.