Nigerian Communications Commission reaffirms commitment to regional digital integration

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening partnerships among telecommunications regulators within the West African sub-region.

Penpushing reports that Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Dr. Aminu Maida made this known when a high-level delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) visited the office headquarters in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

The Executive Vice Chairman represented by the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo explained that the assurance was in line with the commission’s commitment to collaboration and regional integration

Penpushing further reports that he emphasized the commission’s mandate to continually collaborate with sister regulatory institutions within the sub-region and beyond to drive the expansion of digital economy and improve the living conditions of citizen.

The Executive Vice Chaiman pointed out that given the commission’s long-standing commitment to regional cooperation through platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), the agency believes the region becomes stronger and more prosperous when all countries are interconnected.

 Penpushing also reports that Maida stressed that collaboration remains a core driver of the commission board and that sustained engagement with regional partners is essential to advancing the interests of telecommunications consumers and various stakeholders.

The Vice Chairman 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).

Penpushing reports that he pointed out that Nigeria has already designated Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as part of its critical national information infrastructure to give it the prominence required for sustainable growth.

The commission boss assured the Liberian delegation of the commission’s readiness to provide support in advancing regional shared initiatives and translating discussions into actionable outcomes within the sub-region.

 Penpushing further reports that the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), Hon. Clarence Massaquoi in his remarks, commended the commission for making itself available in the spirit of regional coordination and collaboration, describing the engagement as critical to strengthening regulatory responsibilities across the sub-region.

The board chairman acknowledged that Nigeria remains the largest economy in the region and a central player in Africa’s communications, security, and economic structures, that progress made by Nigeria often has far-reaching impacts across other West African countries.

 Penpushing also reports that he explained that since his assumption of office as the Liberian chief telecom regulator, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has prioritized strengthening relationships with regional institutions to support ECOWAS’ vision of integration as effective regional integration cannot be achieved without affordable and reliable communications services, particularly in addressing cross-border roaming challenges.

The Chairman disclosed that Liberia had signed bilateral agreements with The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire and is at advanced stages of discussion with Ghana and Guinea-Conakry and that the Liberian regulator remained committed to active participation in WATRA.

Penpushing reports that Massaquoi sought commission’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.

Meanwhile, the two regulators underscored the centrality of shared commitment to deepen collaboration, identify priority areas for engagement, and advance initiatives that will promote seamless connectivity, regional integration, and socio-economic development across West Africa.

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