NCC Reaffirms Commitment To Regional Digital Integration – Maida
L-R – Engr. Aliyu Yusuf Aboki, Executive Secretary WATRA; Mrs Nneena Ukoa, 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 in Abuja on 30th January, 2026.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration and promoting regional digital integration among telecommunications regulators in the West African sub-region.
This assurance was given by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, during a high-level visit by a delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the EVC, the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management at the NCC, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo, emphasized that sustained collaboration with sister regulatory institutions within and beyond the sub-region remains central to the Commission’s mandate of driving digital economy growth and improving citizens’ quality of life.
He noted that through long-standing regional cooperation frameworks such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), the NCC believes West Africa can only become stronger and more prosperous when countries are digitally interconnected.
Dr. Nwankwo further stated that collaboration is a core priority of the NCC Board, stressing that continuous engagement with regional partners is essential to protecting the interests of telecommunications consumers and other industry stakeholders.
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), adding that Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its Critical National Information Infrastructure to ensure sustained sectoral growth.
The NCC also assured the Liberian delegation of its readiness to support shared regional initiatives and to translate ongoing engagements into tangible outcomes that will benefit the sub-region.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, Hon. Clarence Massaquoi, commended the NCC for its openness and leadership in fostering regional cooperation, describing the engagement as vital to strengthening regulatory effectiveness across West Africa.
Massaquoi acknowledged Nigeria’s position as the region’s largest economy and a key player in Africa’s communications, security, and economic architecture, noting that Nigeria’s progress often produces ripple effects across the sub-region.
He explained that since assuming office, the LTA has prioritized building strong relationships with regional institutions in support of ECOWAS’ integration agenda, emphasizing that effective regional integration is dependent on affordable, reliable, and seamless communications services,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, 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.
Both regulators reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration to identify priority areas, deepen engagement, and advance initiatives aimed at seamless connectivity, regional integration, and socio-economic development across West Africa.
The statement was signed by Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs, NCC, and issued on February 6, 2026.
