*The Nigerian Communications Commission and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum forge a partnership focusing on attaining a cut the Right of Way charges for telecoms operators, and deepening inclusive connectivity in the country鈥檚 telecoms space

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) are intensifying a collaborative effort at ensuring a downward review of the current Right of Way (RoW) charges, and deepening inclusive connectivity in the telecoms space.

绿帽献妻 reports the State Governors, in Nigeria, agreed to support NCC鈥檚 renewed call for reduction in the Right of Way (RoW) fees in order to accelerate fibre deployment and enlarge inclusive connectivity across the West African country.

Speaking at a recent joint engagement with the Nigeria Governors鈥� Forum, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Commission, applauded the Governors for their strategic decision, which is considered as a major breakthrough in aligning national and subnational digital priorities towards advancing the emerging Nigeria Digital Economy.

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Maida also lauded the State Governors for their willingness to collaborate on shaping policies that directly impact broadband penetration.

The EVC/CEO of NCC reportedly averred: 鈥淭he openness of the NGF to engage with us reflects a shared belief in the impact digital solutions can have on subnational development.鈥�

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He equally described the alignment and collaborative effort between Federal and State digital infrastructure strategies as a 鈥済ame changer鈥� for the digital economy.

NCC鈥檚 appeal to State Governments to waive or reduce RoW fees

It was gathered the core of the discussion between Dr. Maida-led Management and the NGF was the RoW fee.

The RoW fee is currently estimated at N145 per linear metre, which the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have severally argued remains a significant burden on network expansion across the country.

Maida as well urged State Governments to waive or reduce these fees, stressing that fibre optic deployment is essential for achieving Nigeria鈥檚 Broadband and digital transformation targets.

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Stressing the strategic importance of fibre infrastructure in effective connectivity, the Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC asserted: 鈥淭he RoW is a critical element in opening up the digital economy, and this lies within the purview of the states.鈥�

Responding to the Commission鈥檚 passionate appeal for reduction or outright cancellation of the relatively high RoW charges in several states in the Federation, Mr. Abdulateef Shittu, Director-General of NGF, also underscored the importance of Broadband as a foundational public good.

Shittu said while connectivity has grown rapidly in recent times, Broadband penetration has remained below the threshold required for inclusive digital transformation in Nigeria.

The Director-General stated: 鈥淏roadband and secure information infrastructure are no longer optional inputs to development.

鈥淓xpanded fibre coverage raises productivity, supports job creation, broadens access to education and health services, and enlarges the taxable base available to state governments.鈥�

Four areas of partnership with NCC, by Shittu

Shittu said in fast-tracking progress in the digital environment, the NGF had proposed four areas of partnership with the NCC.

These, he noted, are: establishing State Broadband Coordinating Councils for institutional alignment, harmonising RoW rules across states, developing resilience plans for critical information infrastructure, and expanding information-sharing platforms for capacity building.

Referencing the World Bank鈥檚 SABER initiative as a model, the Director-General of NGF disclosed certain state governments have harmonised or waived RoW fees, and adopted coordinated trenching practices, which in turn, attracted private investment and accelerated fibre rollout.

Shittu stated: 鈥淭hese policy choices have produced rapid increases in fibre kilometres and improved access to high-capacity networks.鈥�

He equally linked the outcomes to socio-economic gains, such as improved productivity and stronger state revenues.

High-capacity connectivity 鈥榳ill unlock wider economic opportunities鈥�

According to Dr. Maida and Mr. Shittu, Director-General of NGF, easing off RoW barriers will unlock wider economic opportunities by enabling telecoms companies to expand value chains, create jobs, and deepen service delivery in health and education in the country.

Besides, the Nigeria Governors鈥� Forum as well proposed leveraging the upcoming NCC Business Roundtable to secure state-level pledges, alongside follow-up workshops aimed at turning commitments into measurable outcomes.

Maida affirmed the emerging consensus on advancing the Nigeria Digital Economy, and said: 鈥淲ith the governors鈥� support, we can accelerate fibre deployment, expand access, and ensure that every Nigerian is part of the digital economy.鈥�

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