Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El Rufai, has waived Right of Way (RoW) charges for broadband and related communication infrastructure in the state. This is coming on the heels of the decisions by the Governors of Ekiti, Plateau, Imo, and Katsina states to adopt a maximum charge of N145 per linear meter for the laying of broadband infrastructure.
In a press statement from the Federal Ministry of Communications & Digital Economy, the Minister of Communications, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, commended the Governors for speedily implementing the resolutions with respect to the RoW charges.
Press Statement
Pantami Commends Governors El-Rufai, Uzodimma, Masari and Lalong for Implementing Right of Way Resolution @DrIsaPantami, @elrufai, @he_hopeUzodimma, @GovernorMasari, @Sblalong#DigitalNigeria#DigitalTransformation #FMoCDEStatement pic.twitter.com/MfOAKDKB2N
— Fed. Min. of Comms, Innovation & Digital Economy (@FMCIDENigeria) May 21, 2020
“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 statement confirmed.
He 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”.
(READ MORE: Construction of ICT Parks nudges Nigeria into digital transformation)
What this means
As technology continues to evolve, access to high-speed networks has become a necessity for individuals and industries in the country. This is because it is a critical factor in economic growth. As the Minister pointed out, “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”.
He stressed that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore the importance of broadband penetration in supporting the country’s economy. He also urged other state governors to speed up their implementation of the resolution.