By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration among telecommunications regulators across West Africa as part of efforts to drive regional digital integration.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha Head, Public Affairs
February 6, 2026
According to the statement, this position was reiterated by the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, when the Commission hosted a high-level delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) at its headquarters in Abuja over the weekend.
Represented by the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo, Maida emphasized that sustained partnership with sister regulatory institutions remains central to NCC’s mandate of expanding the digital economy and improving citizens’ quality of life.
He noted that through platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), the Commission has consistently promoted regional cooperation, stressing that the sub-region stands to benefit more when countries are digitally interconnected.
Maida also highlighted NCC’s advocacy within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for the recognition of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as critical national infrastructure. He pointed out that Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its critical national information infrastructure to ensure the sector receives the priority required for sustainable growth.
He assured the Liberian delegation of NCC’s readiness to support shared regional initiatives and translate deliberations into practical outcomes.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the LTA, Hon. Clarence Massaquoi, commended NCC for its openness to regional collaboration, describing the engagement as vital to strengthening regulatory effectiveness across West Africa.
Massaquoi observed that Nigeria’s progress in the communications sector often has a ripple effect across the sub-region, given its strategic role in Africa’s economic and security architecture.
He disclosed that the LTA has prioritized regional partnerships since his assumption of office, noting that effective ECOWAS integration depends largely on affordable and reliable communications services, particularly in resolving cross-border roaming challenges.
According to him, Liberia has already signed bilateral agreements with The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire, while discussions are ongoing with Ghana and Guinea-Conakry. He also reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to active participation in WATRA.
The LTA Chairman further sought NCC’s support in regulatory capacity building and the sharing of best practices, especially as Liberia reviews its licensing framework to align with emerging technologies and regional standards.
Both regulators underscored the importance of deepening cooperation, identifying priority areas for engagement, and advancing initiatives that will promote seamless connectivity, regional integration, and socio-economic development across West Africa.
