Here is a report on the subject:
Nigeria’s Digital Future Hinges on Right of Way Resolution, Experts Warn
Nigeria’s aspiration to become a leading digital economy is hindered by the unresolved right of way (RoW) issues, experts and industry insiders have warned.
The National Economic Council agreement in 2013 limited RoW charges to N145 per linear meter to streamline costs for telecom operators and accelerate broadband deployment. However, several state governments have disregarded this accord, imposing exorbitant fees on telcos that hinder the expansion of crucial infrastructure.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) Chairman, Gbenga Adebayor, lamented that some state governments continue to charge excessively high fees, making it difficult for telcos to expand their networks.
Six states have granted RoW fee waivers, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission, but efforts to secure similar waivers from other states remain ongoing.
Experts warn that the delay in resolving these issues could lead to slower broadband penetration, stalling Nigeria’s digital growth and potentially placing the country’s digital economy at risk. The disparity in RoW charges across the country adds to the challenge, creating an inconsistent environment for investors.
Civil society and labour unions have been urged to take a more active role in holding non-compliant states accountable. The Nigerian Labor Congress and the Trade Union Congress have been implored to pressure these states to comply with federal policies.
Industry insiders lament the inaction of the Federal Government, which, they say, has prioritisied internal issues rather than addressing pressing telecom infrastructure challenges.
The way forward, according to industry leaders, is for the federal and state governments to prioritize collaboration, simplify the regulatory process, and ensure predictability and reasonableness in business costs.
This report highlights the pressing challenge Nigeria’s digital future is facing and the need for swift and decisive action by the government and industry players to address the RoW issue.
