Following the decisions by the Governors of Ekiti, Plateau, Imo and Kaduna states to implement the maximum charge of N145 per linear meter for the laying of broadband infrastructure, Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El Rufai, has waived Right of Way (RoW) charges for broadband and related communication infrastructure in the state.
The Minister of Communications, Dr. Isa Pantami, in a press statement from the Federal Ministry of Communications & Digital Economy, applauded the Governors for speedily adopting the resolutions with respect to the RoW charges.
The statement also confirmed: ”The RoW charges in Kaduna State have been completely waived, while the charges in Katsina, Plateau and Imo State have been pegged at a maximum N145 per linear meter”.
The Minister noted that these moves were in line with “the resolution of the States Governors under the auspices of Governors’ Forum on the 22nd of January 2020 to address the lingering issue of Right of Way charges in a bid to deepen broadband penetration in the country and promote a digital economy for a digital Nigeria”.
As pointed out by the Minister, “one of the key benefits is the rapid growth in the gross domestic product (GDP) of any country that increases its broadband penetration.
“Implementing this resolution will go a long way in implementing the National Broadband Plan (NBP) which was launched by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, on the 19th of March 2020. An increase in broadband access will have a positive impact on the economy of the various States as well as the entire country”.
Emphasising that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore the importance of broadband penetration in supporting the country’s economy, Pantami also urged other state governors to speed up their implementation of the resolution as access to high-speed networks has become a necessity for individuals and industries in the country being a critical factor in economic growth.
