NCC Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Telecoms Collaboration
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships among telecommunications regulators in the West African sub-region, in line with its drive for collaboration and regional integration.
The pledge was reiterated by the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, 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 at the NCC, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo, said the Commission remains committed to continuous collaboration with sister regulatory institutions within and beyond the sub-region to advance the digital economy and improve the living standards of citizens.
He noted that the NCC’s long-standing engagement through platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) underscores its belief that West Africa becomes stronger and more prosperous when countries are digitally interconnected.
The EVC emphasized that collaboration is a core priority of the NCC Board, stressing that sustained engagement with regional partners is vital to protecting the interests of telecommunications consumers and other 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), noting that Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its critical national information infrastructure to ensure sustainable growth and resilience in the sector.
He assured the Liberian delegation of the NCC’s readiness to support regional initiatives and to translate 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 crucial to strengthening regulatory effectiveness in West Africa.
Massaquoi acknowledged Nigeria’s position as the largest economy in the region and a key player in Africa’s communications, security and economic landscape, noting that developments in Nigeria often have far-reaching implications for other West African countries.
He disclosed that since assuming office, the LTA has prioritized closer collaboration with regional institutions to support 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 agreements with The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire, while discussions are at advanced stages with Ghana and Guinea-Conakry. 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 underscored the need for deeper 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.
