The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships among telecommunications regulators in the West African sub-region.
Executive vice chairman of the NCC Dr Aminu Maida restated the commitment when the commission hosted a delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) at its head office in Abuja over the weekend.
Maida, who was represented by the director of corporate planning, strategy and risk management at NCC Kelechi Nwankwo said the commission would continue to collaborate with regulatory institutions within the region to support digital economy growth and improve living conditions.
He said the NCC believes West Africa will be stronger and more prosperous when countries in the region are interconnected, noting the commission’s involvement in platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly.
Maida added that collaboration remains a key focus of the NCC board and that sustained engagement with regional partners is necessary to protect the interests of telecommunications consumers and other stakeholders.
He recalled the NCC’s advocacy for the recognition of information and communications technology as critical national infrastructure within the Economic Community of West African States, adding that Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its critical national information infrastructure.
Maida assured the Liberian delegation of the NCC’s willingness to support regional initiatives and ensure discussions translate into practical outcomes.
In his remarks, chairman of the board of commissioners of the LTA Clarence Massaquoi commended the NCC for promoting regional coordination and collaboration.
He said the engagement was important for strengthening regulatory responsibilities across the sub-region.
Massaquoi noted that Nigeria remains the largest economy in the region and a key player in Africa’s communications and security structures, adding that developments in Nigeria often affect other West African countries.
He said the LTA has prioritised strengthening ties with regional institutions to support ECOWAS integration, adding that reliable and affordable communications services are essential to addressing cross-border roaming challenges.
Massaquoi disclosed that Liberia has signed bilateral agreements with The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire and is in advanced discussions with Ghana and Guinea Conakry.
He also sought NCC’s support in regulatory capacity building and the sharing of best practices, particularly as Liberia reviews its licensing regime to reflect emerging technologies and align with regional standards.
Both regulators said they would continue to deepen collaboration, identify priority areas for engagement and advance initiatives aimed at improving connectivity and socio-economic development across West Africa.
