In a significant step toward accelerating broadband penetration and fostering digital inclusion, twelve Nigerian states have waived the Right of Way (RoW) fees—historically a major barrier to broadband infrastructure development. This reform aims to stimulate investment in rural broadband networks and bridge Nigeria’s connectivity gap, especially in underserved regions.

States including Zamfara, Katsina, Anambra, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Adamawa, and most recently Niger State, have now embraced policy shifts to encourage telecom operators to deploy fibre optic infrastructure more efficiently. Collectively, these states account for over 31.17 million mobile subscriptions, underlining the vast market potential for regulatory technology solutions in improving digital access.

Right of Way (RoW) refers to the charges imposed by state governments on telecom providers for laying fibre optic cables along roadways. These cables form the backbone of high-speed internet, facilitating data transmission, powering compliance software, financial services, and other regulatory frameworks dependent on digital infrastructure.

Although Nigeria possesses robust internet capacity through submarine cables, only 39% of Nigerians live within 5 kilometers of fibre optic networks, according to the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. With broadband penetration at 45.61% as of January 2025, high RoW charges have long discouraged investment in network rollout—leaving over 120 million Nigerians without reliable mobile internet access and 23 million still lacking telecom coverage altogether.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), through sustained advocacy, is pushing for regulatory compliance across states in implementing the Federal Government’s recommendation of ₦145 per metre for RoW charges. Unfortunately, GSMA reports that some states have instead raised rates significantly—Ebonyi State, for instance, charges up to 69 times more than Ekiti State, which offers the most affordable RoW terms.

Niger State’s recent policy adoption replaces RoW charges with a one-time, non-refundable fee of ₦500,000 for telecom operators. This move, aligned with regulatory intelligence and compliance risk assessment best practices, supports Niger’s broader plan to extend its 14,223.76km fibre network, enhancing access to education, healthcare, and digital economic opportunities.

GSMA projects that uniform adoption of the ₦145 per metre RoW rate could reduce national broadband deployment costs by 15%, making a compelling case for more states to follow suit. A harmonized framework would also accelerate regulatory monitoring, compliance automation, and the deployment of compliance technology in remote communities.

Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, reiterated that eliminating RoW fees is essential to fostering a conducive investment environment. “It enhances connectivity, promotes economic development, and increases access to digital services,” he said, emphasizing the role of infrastructure in Nigeria’s RegTech ecosystem.

As the nation pushes toward universal internet access, resolving RoW policy inconsistencies remains critical. Expanded broadband coverage will enable deeper compliance assessment, financial crime prevention, and access to transformative technologies across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.