By 
In a bold move to fast-track digital inclusion and foster private-sector investment in broadband infrastructure, Niger State has officially waived Right-of-Way (RoW) fees for fibre optic deployments. This development positions the state as the twelfth in Nigeria to adopt a zero-fee RoW policy—a significant step toward closing the digital divide and strengthening the country’s regulatory technology landscape.
The new policy, detailed in a government gazette dated September 2, 2024, and endorsed by Governor Muhammed Umar Bago, introduces a streamlined process whereby telecom operators will now pay a one-time, non-refundable permit fee of ₦500,000 (approximately $311.80). This fee covers both initial fibre network deployment and any future infrastructure expansions within the state.
“This is a landmark reform aimed at reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and promoting a robust digital economy,” said Suleiman Isah, Niger State’s Commissioner for Communications Technology and Digital Economy. “Operators no longer need to reapply or pay additional fees for network expansion—they only need to notify the state.”
Right-of-Way fees have historically posed a major hurdle to broadband expansion across Nigeria. The high cost of laying fibre optic cables, imposed inconsistently across states, has deterred telecom giants such as MTN Nigeria, Airtel Africa, and Globacom from scaling operations—especially in rural and underserved areas.
The push for a harmonised RoW regime began as early as 2013 when the National Executive Council (NEC) recommended a uniform rate of ₦145 ($0.09) per linear metre. However, implementation has been fragmented, with fewer than half of Nigeria’s states adopting the rate or waiving fees entirely.
With its expansive 3,681.66km of fibre infrastructure, Niger now joins forward-looking states such as Zamfara, Anambra, Kaduna, Ekiti, and Plateau in eliminating RoW charges to spur digital innovation and regulatory compliance with national broadband goals.
Governor Bago emphasized that the no-fee RoW policy is strategically designed to drive infrastructure investment, enhance compliance automation, and deliver inclusive digital services to citizens. “By removing financial and administrative roadblocks, we’re creating a business-friendly environment that supports broadband growth, job creation, and economic resilience,” he stated.
The move is expected to catalyze telecom sector growth by reducing capital costs, enabling telecom operators to channel resources into regulatory technology solutions, compliance monitoring tools, and expansion into underserved territories.
As Nigeria works toward universal connectivity, Niger’s policy shift is a strong signal of its commitment to regulatory modernization, risk mitigation, and the broader goal of a digitally empowered economy.
Comments