Joy Agwunobi 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on state governors to waive or significantly reduce Right of Way (RoW) charges, currently fixed at ₦145 per linear meter, describing the levy as one of the biggest obstacles to nationwide fibre-optic deployment.

Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the NCC, made the appeal in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat. He argued that lowering the charges would accelerate broadband rollout, deepen digital inclusion, and unlock new opportunities within Nigeria’s digital economy.

“The Right of Way is a critical element in opening up the digital economy, and this lies within the purview of the states,” Maida said. He added that stronger alignment between federal and state-level infrastructure development would be a “game changer” for the country’s digital transformation.

Responding, Abdulateef Shittu, director-general of the NGF, assured the Commission of the Forum’s willingness to collaborate. He described broadband connectivity and secure digital infrastructure as “foundational public goods” and outlined four areas of partnership: the creation of State Broadband Coordinating Councils, harmonisation of policies to standardise RoW rules, protection of critical national information infrastructure (CNII), and enhanced information sharing to support capacity building.

Shittu referenced the World Bank’s SABER initiative, which shows that states adopting harmonised RoW fees and coordinated trenching practices experienced rapid expansion of fibre networks, improved access to high-capacity internet, job creation, and wider access to essential services such as education and healthcare.

Both leaders emphasised that dismantling barriers to broadband infrastructure would not only benefit citizens but also expand the economic base of states. According to them, faster digital connectivity would boost productivity, broaden the tax base, and increase internally generated revenue for state governments.

To build momentum, the NGF proposed leveraging the upcoming NCC Business Roundtable to secure formal pledges from governors. It also plans follow-up workshops to develop practical toolkits for implementing best practices across states.

“As Nigeria strives for universal, affordable, and resilient connectivity, this partnership between the NCC and NGF signals a collaborative path forward,” Shittu said.

Maida reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to providing technical leadership and regulatory clarity for broadband expansion, while the NGF promised to back the initiative with political will and state-level coordination.