The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration and regional integration among telecommunications regulators in the West African sub-region.
The pledge was reaffirmed by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, during a high-level visit by a delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja over the weekend.
Maida was represented at the meeting by the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo.
Speaking at the engagement, Maida emphasised that sustained collaboration with sister regulatory institutions within the sub-region and beyond remains central to the NCC’s mandate, particularly in driving the expansion of the digital economy and improving citizens’ quality of life.
He noted that through long-standing platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), the NCC has continued to champion regional cooperation, stressing that the sub-region stands to become stronger and more prosperous through interconnected and harmonised digital frameworks.
Maida further stated that collaboration remains a core priority of the NCC Board, adding that continuous engagement with regional partners is critical to protecting the interests of telecommunications consumers and other industry stakeholders.
The NCC chief 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), noting that Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its critical national information infrastructure to support sustainable sectoral growth.
He assured the Liberian delegation of the NCC’s readiness to support shared regional initiatives and translate discussions into actionable outcomes across the sub-region.
In his remarks, 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 vital to strengthening regulatory effectiveness across West Africa.
Massaquoi acknowledged Nigeria’s position as the largest economy in the sub-region and a key player in Africa’s communications, security and economic architecture, noting that progress recorded in Nigeria often has significant spillover effects on neighbouring countries.
He explained that since assuming office, the LTA has prioritised building stronger relationships with regional institutions in support of ECOWAS’ integration agenda, stressing that effective regional integration cannot be achieved without affordable and reliable communications services, particularly in addressing cross-border roaming challenges.
The LTA chairman disclosed that Liberia has signed bilateral agreements with The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire, while discussions are at advanced stages with Ghana and Guinea-Conakry. He added that the Liberian regulator remains committed to active participation in WATRA.
Massaquoi also sought NCC’s support in regulatory capacity building and the sharing of best practices, especially as Liberia reviews its licensing regime to accommodate emerging technologies and align with regional standards.
Both regulators underscored the need for sustained collaboration, identification of priority areas for engagement, and the advancement of initiatives aimed at promoting seamless connectivity, regional integration and socio-economic development across West Africa.
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