The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its commitment to deepening collaboration and strengthening regulatory partnerships among telecommunications authorities across the West African sub-region, as part of efforts to advance regional integration and digital transformation.
The reaffirmation was made by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, during a courtesy visit by a high-level delegation from the **Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Maida, represented by the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management at the NCC, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo, emphasised that sustained cooperation with sister regulatory institutions within the sub-region and beyond remains essential to driving the growth of the digital economy and improving the welfare of citizens.
He noted that the NCC’s longstanding engagement through regional platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) underscores its belief that a digitally connected West Africa is key to economic prosperity, innovation, and inclusive development.
According to him, collaboration continues to be a strategic priority of the NCC Board, adding that consistent engagement with regional partners is vital to protecting the interests of telecommunications consumers, operators, and other key stakeholders in the industry.
Dr. Maida also recalled the Commission’s advocacy for the recognition of Information and Communications Technology (ICT)as critical national infrastructure within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He pointed out that Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its Critical National Information Infrastructure, underscoring its importance to national development and long-term sustainability.
He assured the Liberian delegation of the NCC’s readiness to provide technical support, share expertise, and collaborate on regional initiatives that can be translated into concrete outcomes for the benefit of the sub-region.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the LTA, Hon. Clarence Massaquoi, commended the NCC for its openness and commitment to regional coordination, describing the engagement as crucial to strengthening regulatory effectiveness across West Africa.
Massaquoi acknowledged Nigeria’s position as the region’s largest economy and a major force in Africa’s communications, security, and economic architecture, noting that regulatory progress in Nigeria often produces ripple effects across neighbouring countries.
He explained that since assuming office, the LTA has prioritised building strong relationships with regional institutions to support ECOWAS’ integration agenda, stressing that effective regional integration cannot be achieved without affordable, reliable, and seamless communications services—particularly in addressing cross-border roaming challenges.
The LTA Chairman disclosed that Liberia has signed bilateral telecommunications agreements with The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire, while discussions with Ghana and Guinea-Conakry are at advanced stages. He also reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to active participation in WATRA.
Massaquoi further sought the NCC’s support in regulatory capacity building and the sharing of best practices, especially as Liberia reviews its licensing framework to accommodate emerging technologies and align with regional standards.
Both regulators concluded by underscoring the need for sustained collaboration, identification of priority areas for engagement, and the advancement of initiatives that will promote seamless connectivity, deeper regional integration, and socio-economic development across West Africa.
