Nigeria’s digital future hangs in the balance, not because of a lack of technology or investment, but due to a bureaucratic quagmire that threatens to derail its broadband ambitions. The culprit? A tangled web of Right of Way (RoW) policies that vary wildly across states, stifling progress and driving up costs for telecom operators. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some states are paving the way for digital transformation, others are clinging to outdated policies that could leave Nigeria lagging in the global digital race.
At a recent Business Roundtable held at the NCC Digital Economy Complex in Abuja, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), laid bare the stark reality. He highlighted that the exorbitant RoW fees imposed by state governments are a major roadblock to broadband deployment. Despite the Nigerian Governors’ Forum agreeing on a uniform RoW charge of N145 per linear meter, inconsistencies persist, causing delays and financial uncertainty for telecom operators.
And this is the part most people miss: Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020–2025 aims for 70% broadband penetration and 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic backbone by year-end 2025. As of August 2025, the country has made strides, with 48.81% penetration and over 140 million Nigerians online—up from just 22% in 2018. Yet, this progress falls short of the plan’s transformative goals. Experts argue that the uneven application of RoW policies is a key culprit. For every kilometer of fiber laid, operators must navigate a patchwork of agreements across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, often facing delays, arbitrary fees, or outright rejections.
The States Leading the Charge
While the Nigerian Governors’ Forum agreed in 2020 to harmonize RoW charges, the reality is mixed. Only 11 states have waived RoW fees entirely, while 17 have capped them at N145. States like Adamawa, Bauchi, Enugu, Benue, and Zamfara have emerged as digital pioneers by eliminating RoW charges, attracting investments and accelerating broadband rollouts. However, these states represent less than one-third of the country, leaving the majority still imposing unpredictable costs that deter private-sector investment.
The Cost of Inconsistency
The economic and social toll of these policy roadblocks is staggering. Delays in fiber deployment slow access to critical services like mobile banking, online education, and e-health. Compounding the issue is rampant vandalism and infrastructure sabotage. Between January and August 2025, Nigeria recorded 19,384 fiber cuts, 3,241 equipment theft cases, and over 19,000 denials of access to telecom sites. These disruptions have led to prolonged outages, revenue losses, and soaring maintenance costs. Dr. Maida warned, “Infrastructure protection must be at the heart of our collective agenda.”
Why Uniform Policy Matters
Experts argue that uniform RoW regulations aren’t just administrative niceties—they’re essential for national competitiveness. A harmonized framework ensures cost predictability, speeds up project timelines, and boosts investor confidence. It also enables coordinated public works, minimizing accidental fiber damage and redundant efforts. Dr. Maida emphasized the link between broadband policy and economic growth, citing studies showing that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can drive 1.38% GDP growth in developing economies. With Nigeria’s ICT sector contributing over 16% to GDP in 2024, the case for expanding digital infrastructure is undeniable.
NCC’s Bold Reform Push
To tackle these challenges, the NCC is launching two game-changing initiatives. The Ease of Doing Business Portal will streamline approvals, monitor timelines, and connect state agencies with telecom operators. The Nigeria Digital Connectivity Index (NDCI) will rank states on digital readiness, RoW compliance, and infrastructure protection. Dr. Maida explained, “What gets measured gets managed. What is published gets improved.”
A Shared Responsibility
Despite federal efforts, the onus largely falls on state governments. Governors must weigh short-term revenue gains against long-term economic benefits. Forgoing a few million Nairas in RoW fees could unlock billions in digital commerce, job creation, and innovation. Dr. Maida’s appeal was both pragmatic and urgent: “A weak broadband backbone marginalizes our youth and stifles our economy. A community without digital connectivity is invisible, cut off from education, markets, healthcare, and opportunity.”
The Race Against Time
Nigeria’s broadband race isn’t just about fiber and bandwidth—it’s about policy coherence. With the 2025 deadline looming, the nation’s ability to meet its targets hinges on decisive action. If governors align policies, reduce fees, and protect infrastructure, Nigeria could transition from an oil-dependent economy to a digital powerhouse. But if hesitation persists, the dream of nationwide broadband connectivity may remain just that—a dream.
Controversial Question: Are state governments prioritizing short-term revenue over long-term digital prosperity? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
