The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and telecom operators have called on the 36 state governments to review their existing policies to accelerate broadband infrastructure deployment across the country.
This appeal was made during a recent Strategic Stakeholder’s Meeting in Abuja, where the NCC and members of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) discussed the need for policy reforms that would support the federal government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP 2020-2025).
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, emphasized that while the federal government is committed to achieving 70% broadband penetration by 2025, several state-level regulations pose significant challenges to reaching this goal.
Represented by Engr. Yahaya Abubakar, Assistant Director of the NCC’s Digital Economy Department, Dr. Maida highlighted issues such as right-of-way charges, multiple taxation, and infrastructure protection as key obstacles that need to be addressed by state governments.
Dr. Maida described broadband connectivity as a crucial driver of economic growth, noting that it fosters the digital economy, creates job opportunities, and bridges the digital divide.
He urged state governments to adopt investor-friendly policies, reduce regulatory burdens, and collaborate with the NCC and other stakeholders to protect telecom infrastructure from vandalism and theft.
“Easing these challenges will facilitate network expansion and improve connectivity across the country,” he said.
