The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and telecom operators are calling on the 36 state governments to revise their policies to facilitate the rapid rollout of broadband infrastructure across the country.
At a recent Strategic Stakeholder’s Meeting in Abuja, the regulator and operators under the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) emphasized the need for policy reforms to achieve the National Broadband Plan’s (NBP) 70% penetration target by 2025.
NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, highlighted the obstacles posed by state regulations and policies, urging governments to ease regulatory burdens and adopt investor-friendly policies. He stressed the importance of broadband connectivity in driving economic growth, creating job opportunities, and fostering entrepreneurship.
Describing broadband connectivity as a catalyst for economic growth, driving the digital economy, creating job opportunities, and fostering entrepreneurship, Maida who was represented at the meeting by the Assistant Director, Digital Economy Department of the NCC, Engr. Yahaya Abubakar said broadband connectivity would bridge the digital divide and make digital tools accessible to all citizens.
“To fully realize the benefits of digitization and meet the NBP targets, state governments must ease regulatory burdens and drive policies that are investor-friendly for the telecommunications and ICT sectors.
“Major obstacles to telecom infrastructure development have been issues within the purview of sub-national governments, including right-of-way issues, multiple taxation, and infrastructure resilience. Reducing right-of-way charges and eliminating multiple taxation will facilitate network expansion and improve connectivity across the country.
ATCON President Tony Emoekpere emphasized the need for a favorable environment for infrastructure expansion, citing security concerns, particularly in northern and southeastern regions, as a major challenge. He called for collaboration between state governments, security agencies, and construction companies to safeguard telecom infrastructure.
