NCC Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Digital Integration as Liberian Telecoms Delegation Visits Abuja
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.
Abuja, Nigeria – February 6, 2026: The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and advancing digital integration among telecommunications regulators across the West African sub-region.
The assurance was given during a high-level courtesy visit by a delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) to the NCC headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Commission’s Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo, said sustained collaboration with sister regulatory bodies within and beyond West Africa remains central to the NCC’s mandate of driving digital economy growth and improving the quality of life of citizens.
Dr. Nwankwo noted that through long-standing regional cooperation platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), the NCC believes the sub-region can only achieve shared prosperity when countries are digitally interconnected.
He emphasized that collaboration is a strategic priority of the NCC Board, adding that continuous engagement with regional partners is vital to safeguarding the interests of telecommunications consumers and other industry stakeholders.
According to him, the Commission has consistently advocated for the recognition of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as Critical National Infrastructure within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He added that Nigeria has already classified ICT as part of its Critical National Information Infrastructure, a move aimed at ensuring sectoral resilience and sustainable growth.
Dr. Nwankwo further assured the Liberian delegation of the NCC’s readiness to support joint regional initiatives and to translate ongoing engagements into practical outcomes that will enhance connectivity and development across West Africa.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, Hon. Clarence Massaquoi, commended the NCC for its openness, leadership, and commitment to fostering regional regulatory cooperation.
Massaquoi described the engagement as timely and essential to strengthening regulatory effectiveness across the sub-region, noting Nigeria’s position as West Africa’s largest economy and a key player in Africa’s communications, security, and economic architecture.
He observed that Nigeria’s progress in the telecommunications sector often produces positive ripple effects across neighbouring countries, making collaboration with the NCC particularly strategic.
The LTA Chairman disclosed that since assuming office, the Authority has prioritised building strong partnerships with regional institutions in support of ECOWAS’ integration agenda. He stressed that effective regional integration is heavily dependent on affordable, reliable, and seamless communications services, particularly in addressing persistent cross-border roaming challenges.
Massaquoi revealed that Liberia has already 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 and other regional frameworks.
He 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 evolving regional standards.
Both regulatory authorities underscored 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 at the NCC, and issued on February 6, 2026.
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