Govs Back NCC’s Plan To Cut Costs, Boost Broadband Access

In a decisive step towards bridging Nigeria’s digital divide, the Nigerian Governors’ Discussion board (NGF) has pledged assist for the Nigerian Communications Fee’s (NCC) plan to scale back prices and speed up broadband entry throughout the nation.

Throughout a courtesy go to to the NGF Secretariat in Abuja, the Govt Vice Chairman and Chief Govt Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, outlined key coverage bottlenecks that proceed to stifle broadband progress, notably the excessive Proper of Approach (RoW) charges charged by State governments.

Based on a press release by the director of media and strategic communications of NGF, Yunusa Abdullahi, the NCC chairman described the N145 per linear meter levy as a significant burden on telecom operators, stressing that waiving or lowering the charges would unlock sooner fibre optic deployment and develop entry.

“The Proper of Approach is a important component in opening up the digital financial system, and this lies inside the purview of the states,” Dr. Maida mentioned.

He praised the NGF’s openness to collaboration, noting that aligning nationwide and subnational insurance policies could be a “sport changer” for Nigeria’s digital financial system.

Responding, NGF Director-Common, Mr. Abdulateef Shittu, declared the Discussion board’s readiness to deepen partnership with the NCC, describing broadband and safe digital infrastructure as “foundational public items” for state improvement.

He famous that whereas Nigeria has recorded speedy connectivity progress, broadband penetration stays beneath the edge required for inclusive digital transformation.

Shittu proposed a four-point partnership framework with the NCC, particularly establishing State Broadband Coordinating Councils to align insurance policies, harmonising RoW guidelines and trenching protocols, strengthening resilience of important nationwide data infrastructure (CNII), and enhancing information-sharing platforms for capability constructing on the state stage.

He highlighted the World Financial institution-supported SABER initiative as a profitable instance, mentioning that a number of states which harmonised RoW charges and streamlined fibre deployment had witnessed speedy progress in fibre kilometres and improved entry to high-capacity networks.

“Expanded fibre protection raises productiveness, helps job creation, broadens entry to training and well being companies, and enlarges the taxable base out there to state governments,” the NGF DG mentioned.

Each Dr. Maida and Mr. Shittu emphasised the socio-economic positive aspects of improved broadband entry. Dr. Maida famous that lowering RoW limitations wouldn’t solely allow telecom corporations to construct worth chains but in addition generate extra income for states by way of taxation.

The NGF additional proposed leveraging the upcoming NCC Enterprise Roundtable to safe concrete commitments from states.

Shittu instructed follow-up workshops to share finest practices from main states and develop toolkits for others, with measurable targets and timelines for adoption.

As Nigeria pursues common, reasonably priced, and resilient connectivity, the NCC–NGF partnership marks a major milestone.

With states controlling key processes like land use and safety, the governors’ backing is anticipated to ease bottlenecks and drive investments.

“We’ll convey political will, coordination capability, and the convening energy of the governors to bear on this agenda,” Shittu affirmed, whereas Dr. Maida pledged the NCC’s technical management and regulatory readability to make sure that broadband growth is each speedy and safe.