NCC Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Digital Integration

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has recently reaffirmed its commitment to improve digital integration in the West Africa region. Noting that this will elevate the telecommunications industry within the region.

The NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida affirmed this during a high-level delegation meeting with the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA). The delegate were hosted by the commission in its Abuja office on Friday.

Represented by the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo, Dr. Maida noted the importance of the collaboration. He stated that a project with sister regulatory institutions within the sub-region remains central to the Commission’s mandate of driving digital economy expansion. He further note that the initiative will improve citizens’ quality of life.

Furthermore, he noted that through platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), the NCC has consistently promoted regional cooperation. He added that the West African sub-region stands to benefit significantly when countries are digitally interconnected.

According to him, collaboration remains NCC core driving force. That continuous engagement with regional partners is critical to advancing the interests of telecommunications consumers. Also noting that the initiative will improve the industry stakeholders.

Dr. Maida also recalled the Commission’s advocacy for the recognition of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). He
noted this as a critical national infrastructure within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Further noting that Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its critical national information infrastructure to ensure sustainable sector growth.

He assured the Liberian delegation of the NCC’s readiness to support shared regional initiatives. Adding that the initiative will translate to policy engagements into concrete and actionable outcomes across the sub-region.

In his remarks, the LTA Chairman Board of Commissioners, Hon. Clarence Massaquoi, commended the NCC for its leadership and openness. Noting that NCC is committed in promoting regional coordination, describing the engagement as vital to strengthening regulatory effectiveness in West Africa.

Massaquoi further acknowledged Nigeria’s position as the largest economy in the region. Also stating Nigeria is a key driver of Africa’s communications and economic landscape. In addition, he noted that developments in Nigeria often have far-reaching implications for other West African countries.

Additionally, he highlighted that since assuming office, the LTA has prioritised building stronger relationships. A collaboration with regional institutions in support of ECOWAS’ integration agenda. He stressed that effective regional integration cannot be achieved without affordable and reliable communications services, particularly in addressing cross-border roaming challenges.

The LTA Chairman further disclosed that Liberia has signed bilateral agreements with The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire. That discussions are currently ongoing with Ghana and Guinea-Conakry. He added that the Liberian regulator remains committed to active participation in WATRA.

He further sought the NCC’s support in regulatory capacity building and sharing of best Telecommunications best practices. He emphasized particularly as Liberia reviews its licensing framework to accommodate emerging technologies and align with regional standards.

Both regulators reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening collaboration in digital integration. Also, identifying priority areas of engagement, and advancing initiatives aimed at promoting seamless connectivity. They also want to improve regional integration, and socio-economic development across West Africa.