The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in line with its commitment to
collaboration and regional integration, has reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening
partnerships among telecommunications regulators within the West African sub
region.
The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida re-affirmed the
commitment when the Commission hosted a high-level delegation from the Liberia
Telecommunications Authority (LTA) at the NCC’s Head Office in Abuja at the
weekend.
Speaking during the LTA’s visit, Maida, who was represented by the Director of
Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management at NCC, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo,
emphasized the Commission’s mandate to continually collaborate with sister
regulatory institutions within the sub-region and beyond to drive the expansion of
digital economy and improve the living conditions of citizen.
He said, given the NCC’s long-standing commitment to regional cooperation
through platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators
Assembly (WATRA), the Commission believes the region becomes stronger and
more prosperous when all countries are interconnected.
The EVC further emphasized that collaboration remains a core driver of the NCC
Board and that sustained engagement with regional partners is essential to advancing
the interests of telecommunications consumers and various stakeholders.
Maida 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
give it the prominence required for sustainable growth. He assured the Liberian delegation of the NCC’s readiness to provide support in
advancing regional shared initiatives and translating discussions into actionable
outcomes within the sub-region.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the LTA, Hon.
Clarence Massaquoi, commended the NCC for making itself available in the spirit
of regional coordination and collaboration, describing the engagement as critical to
strengthening regulatory responsibilities across the sub-region.
Massaquoi acknowledged that Nigeria remains the largest economy in the region and
a central player in Africa’s communications, security, and economic structures, that
progress made by Nigeria often has far-reaching impacts across other West African
countries.
He explained that since his assumption of office as the Liberian chief telecom
regulator, the LTA has prioritized strengthening relationships with regional
institutions to support ECOWAS’ vision of integration as 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 had signed bilateral agreements with The
Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire and is at advanced stages of discussion with Ghana and
Guinea-Conakry and that the Liberian regulator remained committed to active
participation in WATRA.
Massaquoi further sought NCC’s support in regulatory capacity building and the
sharing of best practices, particularly as Liberia reviews its licensing regime to reflect
emerging technologies and align with regional standards.
The two regulators also underscored the centrality of shared commitment to deepen
collaboration, identify priority areas for engagement, and advance initiatives that will
promote seamless connectivity, regional integration, and socio-economic
development across West Africa.
