The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration and regional 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.
Maida was represented at the meeting by the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo.
Speaking during the visit, Nwankwo emphasized that the NCC remains dedicated to sustained collaboration with sister regulatory institutions within the sub-region and beyond, in line with its mandate to drive digital economy expansion and improve citizens’ quality of life.
In a statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, the Commission noted that its long standing commitment to regional cooperation through platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) reflects its belief that the region becomes stronger and more prosperous when countries are effectively interconnected.
The Executive Vice Chairman further stressed that collaboration remains a core priority of the NCC Board, adding that continuous engagement with regional partners is essential to protecting the interests of telecommunications consumers and other industry stakeholders.
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 noted that Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its critical national information infrastructure to ensure the prominence required for sustainable sector growth.
He assured the Liberian delegation of the NCC’s readiness to support regional shared initiatives and to translate collaborative discussions into actionable outcomes across 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 leadership in promoting 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 region and a central player in Africa’s communications, security, and economic architecture, noting that progress made by Nigeria often has far-reaching impacts on other West African 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 and is at an advanced stage of discussions with Ghana and Guinea Conakry.
He added that the Liberian regulator remains committed to active participation in WATRA.
Massaquoi also sought the 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 importance of a shared commitment to deepening collaboration, identifying priority areas of engagement, and advancing initiatives that will promote seamless connectivity, regional integration, and socio-economic development across West Africa.