NCC Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Digital Integration

NCC Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Digital Integration

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its commitment to regional collaboration and digital integration within the West African sub-region, as part of efforts to deepen cooperation among telecommunications regulators.

The commitment was reaffirmed by the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, during a courtesy visit by a high-level delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja at the weekend.

Speaking at the meeting, Maida—who was represented by the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo—emphasised that sustained collaboration with sister regulatory institutions remains central to the 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 NCC has consistently championed regional cooperation, stressing that West Africa becomes stronger and more prosperous when its countries are digitally interconnected.

According to him, collaboration continues to be a key priority of the NCC Board, adding that regular engagement with regional partners is essential to protecting the interests of telecommunications consumers and other industry stakeholders.

Maida 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). He disclosed that Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its Critical National Information Infrastructure to ensure sustainable sectoral growth.

He assured the Liberian delegation of the NCC’s readiness to support shared regional initiatives and to translate bilateral engagements into concrete, actionable outcomes.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the LTA, Hon. Clarence Massaquoi, commended the NCC for its openness and leadership, describing the engagement as vital to strengthening regulatory capacity across the sub-region.

Massaquoi acknowledged Nigeria’s position as the largest economy in West Africa and a major influence in Africa’s communications, security, and economic landscape, noting that developments in Nigeria often have far-reaching effects across neighbouring countries.

He explained that since assuming office, the LTA has prioritised strengthening partnerships with regional institutions in line with ECOWAS’ integration agenda, stressing that effective regional integration cannot be achieved without affordable, reliable, and seamless communications—particularly in addressing cross-border roaming challenges.

The LTA Chairman disclosed that Liberia has signed bilateral telecommunications agreements with The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire and is at an advanced stage of discussions with Ghana and Guinea-Conakry, while remaining fully committed to active participation in WATRA.

He also sought 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.

Both regulators reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening collaboration, identifying priority areas for engagement, and advancing initiatives that will promote seamless connectivity, regional integration, and socio-economic development across West Africa.