L-R: Executive Secretary, WATRA, Engr. Aliyu Yusuf Aboki; Head, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mrs. Nneena Ukoa; Chairman Board of Commissioners, Liberia Telecommunications Authority, Hon. Clarence K. Massaquoi; Director, Corporate Planning, Strategy & Risk Management, NCC, Kelechi Nwankwo; Commissioner with oversight responsibility for Licensing & Regulation (LTA), Hon. Ben Fofana and Director, Licensing & Authorization, NCC, Usman Mamman, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja…on penultimate Friday
Abayomi Susan
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), reaffirming its commitment to collaboration and regional integration, has reiterated its dedication to strengthening partnerships among telecommunications regulators across the West African sub-region.
According to a statement forwarded to The Foresight NG by Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs at NCC, the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized this commitment during a visit by a high-level delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) to the NCC Head Office in Abuja over the weekend.
Speaking on behalf of Maida, the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management at NCC, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo, highlighted the Commission’s mandate to collaborate continuously with sister regulatory institutions within the sub-region and beyond, aiming to drive digital economy growth and improve citizens’ quality of life.
Dr. Maida stressed that, through long-standing platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), regional cooperation strengthens the sub-region and creates broader prosperity when countries are interconnected. He noted that collaboration is a core focus of the NCC Board and that sustained engagement with regional partners is essential to advancing the interests of telecommunications consumers and stakeholders alike.
He also recalled 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), highlighting that Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its critical national information infrastructure to ensure its strategic importance for sustainable growth.
Dr. Maida assured the Liberian delegation of the NCC’s readiness to support regional initiatives and translate discussions into actionable outcomes for the benefit of the sub-region.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the LTA Board of Commissioners, Hon. Clarence Massaquoi, commended the NCC for its openness and commitment to regional coordination, describing the engagement as pivotal for strengthening regulatory responsibilities across West Africa.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s role as the largest economy in the region and a key player in Africa’s communications, security, and economic structures, noting that Nigeria’s progress has significant ripple effects throughout neighboring countries.
Since assuming office as Liberia’s chief telecom regulator, Massaquoi stated that the LTA has prioritized enhancing relationships with regional institutions to support ECOWAS’ vision of integration. He emphasized that effective regional integration requires affordable and reliable communication services, particularly in addressing cross-border roaming challenges.
The LTA Chairman further disclosed that Liberia has already signed bilateral agreements with The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire and is in advanced discussions with Ghana and Guinea-Conakry. He reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to active participation in WATRA and requested NCC’s support in regulatory capacity building and sharing best practices, particularly as Liberia updates its licensing framework to align with emerging technologies and regional standards.
Both regulators highlighted the importance of shared commitment to deepening collaboration, identifying priority areas for engagement, and advancing initiatives that promote seamless connectivity, regional integration, and socio-economic development across West Africa.
