From left: Engr. Aliyu Yusuf Aboki , Executive Secretary WATRA; Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, 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 & Authorisation, NCC during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja on 30th January, 2026.

The Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, recently hosted a high-level delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority LTA, and pledged to strengthen partnerships among telecommunications regulators within the West African sub-region in order to enhance regional integration.

The Commission says this is in tandem with its commitment to collaboration and regional integration.

Speaking during the visit, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, noted that it has become necessary and expedient for telecomm regulatory authorities within the region to collaborate and build stronger ties in order to foster regional integration among all the member states.

Represented by the Director, Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management at NCC, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo, Dr. Maida assured that the Commission under his watch would leave no stone unturned in its efforts to strengthen collaboration with sister regulatory institutions within the sub-region and beyond, which is also in line with its mandate to drive digital economy expansion, thereby improving the living standards of the citizens within the region.

“NCC has a long-standing commitment to regional cooperation through platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly, WATRA, the Commission believes the region becomes stronger and more prosperous when all countries are interconnected.

“Over time, collaboration has remained a core driver of the NCC’s Board and a sustained engagement with regional partners is essential to advancing the interests of telecommunications consumers and various stakeholders”, the EVC/CEO also said.

He further 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, noting that Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its critical national information infrastructure to give it the prominence required for sustainable growth.

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

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the LTA, Hon. Clarence Massaquoi, commended the NCC 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.

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

According to him, since his assumption of office as the Liberian chief telecom regulator, the LTA has prioritised strengthening relationships with regional institutions to support the Economic Community of West African States 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 LTA 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.

Massaquoi further sought NCC’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.

The two regulators also 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 the West African sub-region.