NCC Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Digital Integration

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional digital integration and collaboration among telecommunications regulators across West Africa, as part of efforts to drive the growth of the digital economy and improve the living standards of citizens.

The commitment was reiterated 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. Dr. Maida was represented at the meeting by the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo.

Speaking during the engagement, the EVC emphasized the NCC’s mandate to sustain collaboration with sister regulatory institutions within the sub-region and beyond, noting that regional cooperation remains essential to the expansion of the digital economy and the protection of telecommunications consumers.

Dr. Maida highlighted the Commission’s long-standing commitment to regional cooperation through platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), stressing that Africa’s digital future is strongest when countries are interconnected through affordable, reliable, and resilient communications infrastructure.

He further recalled the NCC’s advocacy for the recognition of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as critical national infrastructure within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), noting that Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its critical national information infrastructure to ensure sustainability and long-term growth.

The EVC assured the Liberian delegation of NCC’s readiness to support regional shared initiatives and translate regulatory discussions into practical, actionable outcomes across the sub-region.

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 promoting regional coordination. He acknowledged Nigeria’s role as the largest economy in the region and a central player in Africa’s communications, security, and economic ecosystem.

Hon. Massaquoi disclosed that Liberia has signed bilateral agreements with The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire, and is at advanced stages of discussions with Ghana and Guinea-Conakry, while reaffirming the LTA’s commitment to active participation in WATRA.

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

Both regulators underscored the importance of sustained collaboration to deepen regional integration, enhance seamless connectivity, and promote socio-economic development across West Africa.