Lagos — In recognition of the revolution that has taken place in the telecommunications industry in the country, Nigeria had been chosen by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to host the regional preparatory meeting (RPM) for the African region scheduled for July 3rd - 7th 25, at the Congress Hall, NICON Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

According to a statement by Mr. Goodman Kehinde, Director, Accountants Management, Concept Solution Acme (CSA), the meeting will precede the World Telecommunications Development Conference (WTDC) scheduled for March 2006 in Doha, Qatar.

Kehinde said that during the meeting, African Union members are expected, among other things, to harmonise their positions on telecommunications development strategies and initiatives for presentations at the Qatar WTDC in 2006.

He said key developmental needs and priorities of the regions will also be reviewed by key information and communication technology (ICT) stakeholders in Africa.

"Issues that will facilitate rapid ICT development including ITU-ATU assistance to NEPAD will be addressed." He also said.

Kehinde also said that topics and issues identified by the African region will form part of the WTDC agenda, with the aim of incorporating those priorities into the action plan of the ITU's Bureau for Telecommunications Development from 2007-2010.

Commenting on the participation, Kehinde said that delegates to the ARP meeting will include administrators of each member state, regulators of the telecomm industry, inter-governmental organisations, regional organisations, observations, including the United Nations' specialised agencies and development partners e.g. ADB, USAID, DFID etc.

He said that a local organising committee headed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is coordinating the ARP 25 meeting in Nigeria.