Nigerian Communications Commission Reaffirms Commitment to West African Digital Integration
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its commitment to deepening regional collaboration and accelerating digital integration across West Africa.
Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, gave the assurance while hosting a high-level delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja at the weekend.
Represented by the NCC’s Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo, Maida emphasized that collaboration with sister regulatory institutions within the sub-region and beyond remains central to the Commission’s mandate. He noted that sustained partnerships are critical to expanding the digital economy and improving the quality of life for citizens across the region.
The EVC highlighted the NCC’s longstanding participation in regional platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), stressing that the sub-region stands to gain more when member states are digitally interconnected and regulatory frameworks are harmonised.
Maida further underscored that collaboration is a key priority of the NCC Board, adding that continuous engagement with regional counterparts is essential to protecting consumer interests and advancing the telecommunications ecosystem.
He 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). According to him, Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its critical national information infrastructure to ensure it receives the attention required for sustainable growth and security.
Assuring the Liberian delegation of NCC’s readiness to support joint initiatives, Maida said the Commission remains committed to translating regional dialogues into practical outcomes that promote seamless connectivity and shared prosperity.
In his remarks, Chairman of the LTA Board of Commissioners, Hon. Clarence Massaquoi, commended the NCC for its openness and leadership in fostering regional coordination. He described the engagement as vital to strengthening regulatory effectiveness across West Africa.
Massaquoi observed that Nigeria, as the region’s largest economy and a major player in Africa’s communications and security architecture, exerts significant influence on regional development trends.
He disclosed that since assuming office, the LTA has prioritised stronger collaboration with regional institutions in alignment with ECOWAS’ integration agenda. He noted that effective regional integration cannot be achieved without affordable, reliable communications services, particularly in addressing cross-border roaming challenges.
According to him, Liberia has signed bilateral agreements with The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire, while discussions are ongoing with Ghana and Guinea-Conakry. He reaffirmed the LTA’s commitment to active participation in WATRA and sought NCC’s support in regulatory capacity building and the exchange of best practices, especially as Liberia reviews its licensing framework to accommodate emerging technologies and align with regional standards.
Both regulators agreed on the need to deepen cooperation, identify priority areas for engagement, and advance initiatives that will enhance seamless connectivity, regional integration, and socio-economic development throughout West Africa.
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