The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its commitment to deepening regional collaboration and accelerating digital integration across West Africa, as it hosted a high-level delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) at its headquarters in Abuja.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, reaffirmed the Commission’s position during the visit, noting that sustained cooperation among telecommunications regulators remains critical to the growth of the region’s digital economy and the improvement of citizens’ quality of life.
Represented at the engagement by the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo, Maida said the NCC’s mandate includes continuous collaboration with sister regulatory institutions within the sub-region and beyond, to drive inclusive digital development.
He explained that the Commission’s long-standing involvement in regional platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) reflects its belief that a more interconnected West Africa would be stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous.
According to him, collaboration remains a core priority of the NCC Board, with sustained engagement seen as essential to advancing consumer interests and strengthening the telecommunications ecosystem across the region.
Maida also recalled the NCC’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 sector receives the attention required for sustainable growth.
He assured the Liberian delegation of the Commission’s readiness to support shared regional initiatives and to help translate dialogue into concrete, actionable outcomes across the sub-region.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, Hon. Clarence Massaquoi, commended the NCC for its openness and leadership, describing the engagement as vital to strengthening regulatory effectiveness in 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 developments in Nigeria often have far-reaching impacts on neighbouring countries.
He said 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 already signed bilateral agreements with The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire, while discussions with Ghana and Guinea-Conakry are at advanced stages. 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 framework to accommodate emerging technologies and align with regional standards.
Both regulators reaffirmed a shared commitment to deepen cooperation, identify priority areas for engagement, and advance initiatives aimed at promoting seamless connectivity, regional integration, and socio-economic development across West Africa.
