The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional collaboration and digital integration among telecommunications regulators in the West African sub-region.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, restated this commitment when the Commission hosted a high-level delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, LTA at its headquarters in Abuja over the weekend.
Speaking during the visit, Maida, who was represented by the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo, emphasized that collaboration with sister regulatory institutions remains central to the NCC’s mandate to drive the expansion of the digital economy and improve citizens’ quality of life.
He noted that through long-standing regional cooperation platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly, WATRA, the NCC believes West Africa becomes stronger and more prosperous when countries are digitally interconnected.
Maida further stressed that collaboration is a core priority of the NCC Board, adding that sustained engagement with regional partners is critical to advancing the interests of telecom consumers and other stakeholders across the sub-region.
Recalling the Commission’s advocacy within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Maida highlighted Nigeria’s push for the recognition of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as critical national infrastructure.
He noted that Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its critical national information infrastructure to support sustainable growth and resilience.
He assured the Liberian delegation of the NCC’s readiness to support shared regional initiatives and translate deliberations into concrete, actionable outcomes.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, Hon. Clarence Massaquoi, commended the NCC for its openness to regional coordination, describing the engagement as vital to strengthening regulatory effectiveness across West Africa.
Massaquoi acknowledged Nigeria’s position as the region’s largest economy and a key driver of Africa’s communications, security, and economic frameworks, noting that Nigeria’s progress often has far-reaching implications for neighbouring countries.
He disclosed that since assuming office, the LTA has prioritised deepening ties with regional institutions to advance ECOWAS’ integration agenda, stressing that effective regional integration cannot be achieved without affordable and reliable communications services, particularly in addressing cross-border roaming challenges.
According to him, Liberia has already signed bilateral telecom agreements with The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire, while discussions are at advanced stages with Ghana and Guinea-Conakry. He reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment 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 framework to accommodate emerging technologies and align with regional standards.
Both regulators underscored the importance of sustained collaboration, identifying priority areas for engagement and advancing initiatives aimed at promoting seamless connectivity, regional integration, and socio-economic development across West Africa.
Leave a Reply