The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and telecom operators have called on the 36 state governments in Nigeria to review their current policies to enable the rapid deployment of broadband infrastructure across the country.
During a recent Strategic Stakeholder’s Meeting in Abuja, which included the 36 state commissioners and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the NCC and operators, under the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), emphasized the need for state governments to align their policies with the federal government’s broadband targets.
In a keynote address, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, represented by Engr. Yahaya Abubakar, Assistant Director of the Digital Economy Department, highlighted that the federal government aims for 70% broadband penetration through the National Broadband Plan (NBP 2020-2025).
However, he pointed out that state regulations and policies are hindering the plan’s progress. He stressed the need for states to revise these policies to fully benefit from the digital economy that widespread broadband penetration can bring.
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Maida described broadband connectivity as essential for economic growth, as it drives the digital economy, creates jobs, and fosters entrepreneurship.
He emphasized that to achieve the NBP goals, state governments must reduce regulatory burdens and adopt investor-friendly policies for the telecommunications and ICT sectors.
Key challenges include right-of-way issues, multiple taxation, and infrastructure resilience. Lowering right-of-way charges and eliminating multiple taxation would facilitate network expansion and improve connectivity nationwide.
Additionally, he urged state governments to protect telecom infrastructure from theft, vandalism, and other damages by collaborating with the NCC, security agencies, and construction companies.
ATCON President Tony Emoekpere also underscored the need for a more favorable environment for telecom infrastructure expansion.
He noted that despite the potential of the digital economy, many challenges hinder the deployment of telecom networks. Insecurity, particularly in the northern and southeastern regions, remains a major concern, posing significant risks to personnel working on telecom projects due to activities like kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
It is worth noting that former President Muhammadu Buhari launched the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025 in March 2020.
The plan aims to improve Nigeria’s digital infrastructure by providing widespread broadband access with minimum download speeds of 25Mbps in urban areas and 10Mbps in rural areas, targeting a 70% broadband penetration rate by 2025 at a cost of no more than N390 per 1GB.
However, the plan’s implementation has been slow, largely due to challenges from the states. As of March 2024, broadband penetration in Nigeria was 43.53%, according to NCC data.
