The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Association (WATRA) has praised Nigeria for its outstanding leadership in the area of broadband infrastructure mapping. This recognition follows the successful ITU Africa Broadband Mapping (BBMaps) National Event held recently in Abuja.
This national event marked an important milestone in the pilot phase of the Africa-BB-Maps initiative, a flagship project of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), supported by funding from the European Union.
Over four years (2025–2028), the program aims to aid eleven Sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria, in developing harmonious national broadband mapping systems to foster digital development and attract investment.
During the event, Mr. Ruffus Samuel, WATRA’s principal manager for Partnerships, represented the organisation and participated in a high-profile session titled “Context and Current State – Intervention by International Partners.”
WATRA emphasised the critical need for harmonising broadband mapping across West Africa, highlighting its potential to form a strong basis for smart regulation, infrastructure investment, and regional digital integration. WATRA’s Executive Secretary, Aliyu Yusuf Aboki, reiterated the organisation’s dedication to collaborating closely with national regulators, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to encourage coordinated infrastructure mapping efforts.
“Nigeria’s effective and transparent broadband mapping system is a benchmark for the entire West African region,” stated Mr. Aboki. “Through evidence-based policymaking, we can bridge connectivity gaps and lay the foundation for a more inclusive digital economy.”
The event underscored the NCC’s broadband mapping framework as a prime example for the continent. Attendees from various countries recognised the NCC’s technical expertise and policy vision, reaffirming Nigeria’s increasing influence in shaping the region’s ICT strategies.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the executive vice-chairman and CEO of the NCC, presided over the opening ceremony, which featured prominent figures such as:
- Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau
- Zissimos Vergos, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria
- Inga Stefanowicz, Head of Green and Digital Economy, EU Delegation
- Senior representatives from ITU, ECOWAS, and various national stakeholders
Participants recommended the establishment of a National Broadband Mapping Task Force, led by the NCC, to coordinate data standards, governance, and updates. WATRA stressed the necessity of regional interoperability and committed to ongoing collaboration with ITU, NCC, and various development partners.
The event highlighted the importance of cooperation among governments, regulators, infrastructure providers, and technical partners to guarantee the reliability and utility of broadband data.
The Africa-BB-Maps initiative aligns with the Africa–Europe Digital Regulators Partnership and the EU Global Gateway Strategy, both aimed at promoting sustainable digital infrastructure development and cross-border collaboration. WATRA plays a vital role in converting these aspirations into practical frameworks for its 16 member states.
