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NCC Strengthens West African Telecom Regulatory Cooperation
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration and regional integration among telecommunications regulators in West Africa, in line with its mandate to support digital economy growth across the sub-region.
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The commitment was restated by the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, during a high-level visit by a delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) to the Commission’s head office in Abuja over the weekend.
Collaboration Key to Digital Economy Expansion – NCC
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Maida—represented by the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo—emphasised the NCC’s long-standing resolve to work closely with sister regulatory institutions within and beyond West Africa to accelerate digital transformation and improve citizens’ quality of life.
He noted that through platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), the NCC has consistently promoted regional cooperation, stressing that West Africa becomes stronger and more prosperous when countries are digitally interconnected.
ICT as Critical National Infrastructure
Dr. Maida further highlighted that collaboration remains a core priority of the NCC Board, adding that sustained engagement with regional partners is essential to protecting consumer interests and advancing broader stakeholder objectives.
He 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, giving the sector the prominence required for sustainable growth.
The EVC assured the Liberian delegation of the NCC’s readiness to support shared regional initiatives and to translate ongoing discussions into practical, actionable outcomes across the sub-region.
Liberia Seeks Stronger Regional Regulatory Partnerships
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the LTA, Hon. Clarence Massaquoi, commended the NCC for its openness and leadership in fostering regional coordination, describing the engagement as vital to strengthening regulatory effectiveness in West Africa.
Massaquoi acknowledged Nigeria’s role as the region’s largest economy and a key player in Africa’s communications, security, and economic architecture, noting that regulatory progress in Nigeria often has significant ripple effects across neighbouring countries.
Focus on Cross-Border Roaming and Capacity Building
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 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 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.
Shared Vision for Seamless Connectivity in West Africa
Both regulators underscored the importance of a shared commitment to deepen collaboration, identify priority areas for engagement, and advance initiatives that will promote seamless connectivity, regional integration, and socio-economic development across West Africa.
PHOTO COVER: L-R – Engr. Aliyu Yusuf Aboki , Executive Secretary WATRA; Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Head Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission; Hon. Clarence K. Massaquoi, Chairman Board of Commissioners, Liberia Telecommunications Authority; Kelechi Nwankwo, Director Corporate planning, strategy and Risk Management(NCC); Hon. Ben Fofana, Commissioner with oversight responsibility for Licensing and Regulation (LTA); Usman Mamman Director, Licensing & Authorization (NCC) during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s Headquarters Abuja
