The Anambra State Government, representing the southeastern region of Nigeria, has declared it intends to enforce a policy of providing telecom operators with free right-of-way to allow speedy deployment of broadband infrastructure across the state in its efforts to boost digital adoption.
In Nigeria, the existing fee for right-of-way is 145 naira per meter. This fee was established as a result of a harmonization process initiated in 2017 involving collaboration between the federal government and the governments of Nigeria's 36 states. Prior to this coordination, individual states determined these fees, leading to a range of 4,000 to 8,000 naira per meter.
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, the managing director of the Anambra State ICT Agency, has emphasized that the decision to eliminate right-of-way charges aligns with the state government's vision of "All about technology and technology everywhere." This visionary approach seeks to cultivate a digital economy that attracts key investors, innovators and businesses to establish themselves within the state.
