The Final Act comprises both the new and revised provisions of the Radio Regulations, an international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, the minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, represented Nigeria and was joined by Dr. Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, the managing director, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat Ltd).

The WRC-2023 is a global, inter-governmental 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 signed unto 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 high-speed 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-2023, 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 inter-agency 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 radiocommunications and 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.”

They include Mr. Kabir Mohammed of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Mr. Tayib Odunowo of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA); Akinola Olateru of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB); Prof. Mansur Matazu of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency; and Alkali Modibbo, the Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology.

He also suspended Captain Musa Nuhu, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, “to enable the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to conduct an unfettered investigation into the activities of the suspended Director-General and other senior officials in the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority,” a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed Wednesday night.

The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu approves leadership changes in the Aviation and Aerospace Development Sector.’

Consequently, the President appointed Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku as the substantive Managing Director of FAAN; Umar Farouk as the substantive Managing Director of NAMA; son of former Chief of Air Staff, Mr. Alex Badeh Jr. as the substantive Director-General of the NSIB.

Tinubu also named Prof. Charles Anosike as the substantive Director-General of NiMET, Mr. Joseph Imalighwe as the Acting Rector of NCAT, as Mr Chris Najomo assumes office as the Acting Director-General of the NCAA immediately.

Furthermore, he approved the commencement of the process—to be conducted by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo—to recruit a substantive Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers of the African Aviation and Aerospace University.

The move is “In line with the President’s determination to bring world class standards to Nigerian Civil Aviation in consumer protection and the promotion of the wellbeing of Nigerian passengers and other sectoral stakeholders,” said Ngelale.

The president said he anticipates that the new leadership across the aviation sector will uphold the safety, convenience and comfort of Nigerians people as primary and sacrosanct in all of their administrative activities.

Due to the high cost of underperformance in the sector, the President also demanded the immediate establishment of world-class policy design, implementation and regulatory frameworks to reposition the sector in alignment with his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Ngelale affirmed that all the directives of the President take immediate effect.