Nigeria Waives RoW Fees, NCC Unveils Initiatives to Boost Broadband
Eleven Nigerian states have waived Right of Way (RoW) fees to accelerate fibre deployment, while the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) unveils initiatives to enhance transparency and digital readiness. These moves aim to bolster broadband penetration and protect critical infrastructure.
The NCC plans to introduce the Ease of Doing Business Portal and the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Index (NDCI) to increase transparency at the state level and assess digital preparedness. This comes as Nigeria targets 70% broadband penetration and 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic backbone by the end of 2025.
In a significant step, the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) signed the Critical National Information Infrastructure Order in 2024. This order enables the protection of telecommunications infrastructure and counteracts sabotage. Following this, the NCC and other agencies are implementing measures to safeguard telecom assets.
However, the situation remains challenging. Between January and August 2025, Nigeria's telecommunications operators have endured over 19,000 fibre cuts. Widespread equipment theft and site vandalism have resulted in prolonged network outages and service disruptions, affecting over 140 million Nigerians online. The NCC reports 19,384 fibre cuts, 3,241 cases of equipment theft, and over 19,000 denials of access to telecom sites.
The NCC urges states, operators, and the private sector to collaborate in protecting infrastructure and expanding broadband access. With broadband penetration currently at 48.81%, every 10% increase can boost Nigeria's GDP by up to 1.38%, according to a World Bank study. The recent initiatives and targets aim to harness the power of digital connectivity for Nigeria's economic growth.
