To boost rural connectivity, Niger State has waived right-of-way (RoW) fees for fibre optic infrastructure for telecom operators interested in deploying services in the state.
  
Niger added to the list of other states including Zamfara, Katsina, Anambra, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Adamawa, Kaduna, Ekiti, Imo and Kwara that have either eliminated or significantly reduced RoW charges to attract investment.
  
The policy, according to Tech Cabal is formalised in a government gazette dated September 2, 2024, and signed by Governor Muhammed Umar Bago, which is part of a broader effort to attract private-sector investment, extend internet access to remote communities, and digitise public services. Under the new policy, telecom operators will pay a one-time, non-refundable application fee of N500,000.
  
Niger State’s Commissioner for Communications Technology and Digital Economy, Suleiman Isah, said the fee covers both initial network deployment and any future expansions.
  
Recall that high RoW fees have been a barrier to expanding broadband services in Nigeria. While the Federal Government set a benchmark of N145 per linear meter, many states imposed higher charges. This has hindered telecom companies from investing in infrastructure projects. Niger State’s decision to waive these fees aligned with national efforts to standardize and reduce RoW charges to foster digital growth.
  
“A no-fee RoW policy will attract substantial investments from telecommunication companies, leading to expanded network coverage, especially in rural and underserved areas, and creating a favourable business environment that supports job creation and economic growth,” Governor Bago said in the gazette.

Accordingly, this policy change is part of a broader national strategy to achieve 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025, as outlined in the National Broadband Plan (2020-2025).
   
The Guardian checks showed that achieving that 70 per cent broadband penetration appears dicey as several bottlenecks, including funding policy inconsistency, multiple taxation and regulations, vandalism, theft, and foreign exchange fluctuations have slowed the process.

Statistics from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) put broadband penetration at 45.61 per cent, meaning the country is still 24.39 per cent behind the target with about eight months to end 2025.   

Nonetheless, the 45.61 per cent has translated to some 98.9 million Nigerians, largely in the rural areas, having access to broadband services.