NCC Reassures LTA of its Commitment to West Africa’s Digital Integration
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to regional digital integration, stressing on the need for closer cooperation among West African telecoms regulators to deepen the digital economy as well as enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
The NCC made this commitment when it played host to a high-level delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) at its headquarters in Abuja.
Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, said the region becomes “stronger and more prosperous when all countries are interconnected,” adding that collaboration remains central to the Commission’s long-standing regulatory strategy.
Dr Maida, who was represented by the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, Dr Kelechi Nwankwo, said the NCC remains committed to sustained engagement with sister regulatory institutions within and beyond the sub-region.
He highlighted that the Commission’s involvement in platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) reflects its belief that shared regulatory frameworks strengthen consumer protection and industry confidence, adding that “The region becomes stronger and more prosperous when all countries are interconnected.”
EVC NCC acknowledged that collaboration remains “a core driver of the NCC Board” and is essential to advancing the interests of telecoms consumers and other stakeholders.
He cited the NCC’s advocacy for the recognition of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as critical national infrastructure within ECOWAS.
He mentioned that Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its critical national information infrastructure, giving the sector strategic prominence needed for sustainable economic growth, protection of telecoms assets while ensuring policy continuity and investor confidence.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, Hon Clarence Massaquoi, lauded the NCC for embracing regional coordination and regulatory collaboration, stressing that the engagement is critical to strengthening regulatory responsibilities across West Africa.
Massaquoi also acknowledged Nigeria’s position as the region’s largest economy, adding that policy and regulatory progress in Nigeria often has far-reaching effects on other West African countries.
The LTA chairman disclosed that since assuming office as Liberia’s chief telecoms regulator, the LTA has prioritised stronger ties with regional institutions to support ECOWAS’ integration agenda.
According to him, effective regional integration “cannot be achieved without affordable and reliable communications services,” particularly in addressing cross-border roaming challenges.
He also disclosed that Liberia has already signed bilateral agreements with The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire, adding that discussions are at advanced stages with Ghana and Guinea-Conakry, while reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to active participation in WATRA.
The NCC assured the Liberian delegation of its readiness to support shared regional initiatives and to translate discussions into actionable outcomes.