Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, has reassured Africans that the Commission will continue to collaborate with sister regulatory institutions within the sub-region and beyond to drive the expansion of the digital economy and improve consumers’ living conditions
Reaffirming its commitment to ongoing collaboration and regional integration, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said it will continue to strengthen partnerships among telecommunications regulators within the West African sub-region.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, said this when the Commission hosted a high-level delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) during the weekend, at its Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, FCT.
Speaking during the LTA’s visit, Dr. Maida, emphasised 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 EVC/CEO of the telecoms sector regulatory Commission, represented by the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management at NCC, emphasised the significance of the Commission’s long-standing commitment to regional cooperation through platforms, such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA).
Maida: Collaboration is the core driver of the NCC Board
The telecoms operator further disclosed it s convinced the region would become stronger and more prosperous, when all countries are interconnected.
Maida also stressed that collaboration remains a core driver of the NCC Board.
According to him, sustained engagement with regional partners is essential to advancing the interests of telecoms consumers and various stakeholders.
Maida, during the visit, 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).
The Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC noted that Nigeria had already designated ICT as part of its Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) to give it the prominence required for sustainable growth.
He, therefore, assured the Liberian delegation of the NCC readiness to support the advancement of regional shared initiatives, while translating discussions into actionable outcomes within the sub-region.
Stakeholder engagement essential across the West African sub-region: LTA Chairman
In his remarks during the LTA delegation’s visit to the NCC Head Office, in Abuja, Hon. Clarence Massaquoi, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the LTA, commended the Nigerian telecoms regulator for making itself available in the spirit of regional coordination and collaboration.
Hon. Massaquoi described the engagement as critical to strengthening regulatory responsibilities across the sub-region.
The Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of LTA also acknowledged that Nigeria remains the largest economy in the region and central player in Africa’s communications, security, and economic structures.
He remarked that progress made by Nigeria often has far-reaching impacts across other West African countries.
Massaquoi explained that since his assumption of office as the Liberian chief telecoms regulator, the LTA has prioritised strengthening relationships with regional institutions to support ECOWAS’ vision of integration as effective regional integration could not be achieved without affordable and reliable communications services, particularly in addressing cross-border roaming challenges.
He also 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.
He reassured that the Liberian telecoms regulator remains 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 in line with regional standards.
The NCC stated the two regulators further underlined the centrality of shared commitment to deepening collaboration, identifying priority areas for engagement, and advancing initiatives that would promote seamless connectivity, regional integration, and socio-economic development across West Africa.
