February 09, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration and advancing digital integration among telecommunications regulators across the West African sub-region.
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, restated this commitment during a courtesy visit by a high-level delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at the engagement, Maida, who was represented by the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, Dr Kelechi Nwankwo, said the NCC remains committed to sustained cooperation with sister regulatory institutions within the sub-region and beyond, in line with its mandate to drive the growth of the digital economy and improve citizens’ quality of life.
He noted that the Commission’s long-standing participation in regional platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) reflects its belief that the region becomes stronger and more prosperous when countries are digitally interconnected.
Maida emphasised that collaboration remains a core priority of the NCC Board, adding that continuous engagement with regional partners is critical to protecting the interests of telecommunications consumers and other industry stakeholders.
He 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), pointing out that Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its critical national information infrastructure to support sustainable sector growth.
The EVC assured the Liberian delegation of the NCC’s readiness to support shared regional initiatives and 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 Liberia Telecommunications Authority, 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 key driver of Africa’s communications, security, and economic architecture, noting that developments in Nigeria often have far-reaching implications for other West African countries.
He explained that since assuming office, the LTA has prioritised strengthening ties with regional institutions in support of ECOWAS’ integration agenda, stressing that effective regional integration cannot be achieved without affordable, reliable, and seamless 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 are at advanced stages with Ghana and Guinea-Conakry. He reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment 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 underscored the importance of sustained collaboration to identify priority areas for engagement and advance initiatives that will promote seamless connectivity, regional integration, and socio-economic development across West Africa.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
