At the conclusion of the World Radiocommunications Conference(WRC)2023, Nigeria joined the rest of the World tosign unto the Final ActWRC-23, which constitutesa record
of the decisions taken at the conference.
The Final Actcomprises both the new and revised provisions of the Radio Regulations, an
international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani,
represented Nigeria and was joined by the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian
Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida and the Managing Director,
Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat Ltd),Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen.
The WRC2023 is a global, intergovernmental treaty conference which is held every three
to four years by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations
affiliated international organization for telecommunications.
At the end of each conference, countries signedunto an updated Final Act, the outcome
of agreements on agendas put forward by country administrations.
According to a statement by the ITU, “the agreement to the updated Radio Regulations
identifies new spectrum resources to support technological innovation, deepen global
connectivity, increase access to and equitable use of space-based radio resources, and
enhance safety at sea, in the air, and on land.”
Among the decisions reached, the Conference also identified spectrum for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), which will be crucial for expanding broadband
connectivity and developing IMT mobile services, also known as 4G, 5G and, in the future,
6G.
The conference also identified new frequencies for non-geostationary fixed-satellite service
Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs) that would provide highspeed broadband onboard
aircraft, vessels, trains, and vehicles. These satellite services are also critical following
disasters where local communication infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.
Provisions were also included to protect ship and aircraft mobile service stations located
in international airspace and waters from other stations within national territories.
Nigeria’s delegation at the conference comprised seasoned engineers and experts in
telecommunications and satellite regulations and governance from 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 practitioners from the telecommunications industry in
Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Tijani,who led the Nigerian delegation at the WRC-23,thanked the delegation
for their sacrifices which,he noted,were made for the collective benefit of the future of
Nigeria.
He also enjoined the Nigerian delegation to commence preparation for future conferences
to ensure the preservation of the country’s interest by developing capacity through
investments in extensive research and interagency collaboration.
Also, during an engagement with the Nigerian delegation at the conference, Maida
commended the delegation for collaborating towards Nigeria’s best interest. He
emphasised the conference’s significant importance for Nigeria.
According to him, “the agreements reached at this year’s conference will provide valuable
spectrum resources that will benefit the Commission’s stakeholders, especially ordinary
Nigerians by enhancing service quality and bridging the digital gap in rural areas.
“Additionally, the establishment of international standards for radiocommunication
sad the decisions made at the conference will impact the development and implementation of
new technologies.
“These outcomes align with Nigeria’s overall objectives and the Honorable Minister’s
Strategic Plan for the Ministry particularly on expanding broadband connectivity, in
harmony with the global transition to 5G and future 6G technologies, as well as improving
quality of experience and providing equitable access to all Nigerians.”
Signed: