Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration and regional digital integration among telecommunications regulators in the West African sub-region.

KANO FOCUS reports that the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, restated this commitment when the NCC 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 the sub-region and beyond to drive the expansion of the digital economy and improve the living conditions 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 the region becomes stronger and more prosperous when countries are effectively interconnected.

According to him, collaboration remains a core driver of the NCC Board, adding that sustained engagement with regional partners is essential to advancing 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). He pointed out that Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its critical national information infrastructure in order to give the sector the prominence required for sustainable growth.

He assured the Liberian delegation of the NCC’s readiness to support shared regional initiatives and to ensure that discussions translate into concrete and 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 and collaboration, describing the engagement as vital to strengthening regulatory responsibilities in West Africa.

Massaquoi noted that Nigeria remains the largest economy in the region and a key player in Africa’s communications, security, and economic landscape, adding that progress made by Nigeria often has far-reaching impacts on other West African countries.

He explained that since assuming office as Liberia’s chief telecommunications regulator, the LTA has prioritised strengthening ties with regional institutions in line with 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 deepening collaboration, identifying priority areas for engagement, and advancing initiatives aimed at promoting seamless connectivity, regional integration, and socio-economic development across West Africa.