Telecoms: ITU Advocates Collaborative Regulation, Inclusive Digital Policies — Okoh Aihe

Lagos, Nigeria — May 27, 2026

Telecommunications expert, Okoh Aihe, has highlighted the position of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on the need for collaborative regulation and inclusive, evidence-based policy-making to strengthen the global digital ecosystem.
Aihe stated that rather than imposing rigid and overarching laws, the ITU focuses on providing strategic guidance and benchmarks that enable nations to develop flexible, resilient, and competition-friendly digital frameworks.

According to him, the ITU strongly supports Collaborative and Fifth-Generation (G5) Regulation, which promotes coordinated and holistic regulatory approaches across sectors such as health, finance, transport, and telecommunications to accelerate digital inclusion and national development.
He explained that the organisation also places significant emphasis on Spectrum and Orbit Management, stressing that countries must align their telecommunications policies with the ITU’s established Radio Regulations to ensure efficient and globally harmonised spectrum usage.

Aihe further noted that the ITU encourages member nations to prioritise Emergency Preparedness through the design and implementation of National Emergency Telecommunications Plans (NETPs), aimed at improving communication resilience during disasters and emergencies.

The telecoms analyst said the organisation’s approach is designed to help countries adapt to rapidly evolving technologies while creating regulatory environments that encourage innovation, investment, and broader access to digital services.
He added that collaborative regulation remains essential for developing economies seeking to bridge the digital divide and maximise the opportunities presented by emerging technologies and digital transformation initiatives.