Abuja, Jan. 10, 2024 – Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has commended the Nasarawa State government for proscribing the Right of Way (RoW) charges in the state.
The minister made the commendation via his X handle.
“Our journey to a more connected society requires bold leadership as demonstrated by His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Governor of @NasarawaGovt who has now joined a number of other states in waiving Right of Way charges for telecom operators.
“This is an exciting move that makes it easier for further investment in our broadband and fibre network and also shows the commitment of our leaders to President @officialABAT’s plan to ensure a prosperous digital economy for all.
“We look forward to working with the Governor and his team to deliver more growth for the people of Nasarawa State,” the minister wrote.
Nasarawa State is the fifth state in the country to stop the RoW charges after Katsina, Anambra, Kaduna and Ekiti states.
The NCC has appealed to other state governments to stop the charges so as to make their states more investor friendly, particularly to telecom companies.
The Nasarawa State Right of Way Regulations 2023, which proscribes the RoW charges, came into effect on Dec. 29, 2023.
The law prescribes that: “The NUDB shall charge no fee in the exercise of the powers it holds in virtue of the Nasarawa State Right of Way Regulations 2023 for the installation, placing, laying or maintenance of the Network Facilities,” amongst others.
The RoW is the charge placed by state governments on telecom operators for cutting roads in the bid to lay their cables.
The charges vary amongst states, but the federal Government has prescribed a rate of N145 per linear metre. (GBN)
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