The Nigerian state of Nasarawa has abolished the charges associated with the Right of Way (RoW) for the construction, placement, laying, and maintenance of telecoms network equipment within the state
This action was taken through the implementation of the State Right of Way Regulation 2023, which became effective immediately.
RoW fees, which telecom companies pay to state governments for deploying optic cables on state roadways, have been completely removed in Nasarawa State. The law officially commenced on December 29, 2023, and the Nasarawa State Urban Development Board has been directed not to collect any such charges.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State received praise for this decision from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Aminu Maida, the Vice-Chairman and CEO of NCC, commended the move, emphasising its significance in creating a conducive environment for the growth of the digital economy. The NCC views this as a positive step towards achieving the National Broadband Plan's objective of attaining 75% of the fiber optic cable target by the end of 2027.
This decision in Nasarawa State follows a similar action by the Katsina state government, which also eliminated RoW charges the previous month. The NCC is actively engaging in discussions with other states, advocating for the waiver of such fees. The aim is to encourage more of Nigeria's 36 states to consider reducing or abolishing these charges.
