The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments to accelerate broadband deployment, reduce Right of Way (RoW) bottlenecks, and safeguard Nigeria’s critical telecom infrastructure.
Speaking at the Business Roundtable Forum with States held at the NCC Digital Economy Complex, Abuja, Dr. Maida stressed that the country’s digital prosperity depends on aligning policies across all levels of government to foster investment, connectivity, and inclusion.
“In earlier eras, a community without a railway or electricity could still subsist. In today’s world, a community without digital connectivity is invisible,” he said. “It is cut off from education, markets, healthcare, and opportunity. We must act decisively, state by state, community by community, to ensure no one is left behind.”
The event, themed “Right of Way and Protection of Broadband Infrastructure – The Road to Success in Broadband Investment and Connectivity,” brought together governors’ representatives, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to discuss practical ways to harmonize policies that will enable broadband growth nationwide.
Connectivity as a Catalyst for Economic Growth
Dr. Maida highlighted the economic importance of broadband, noting that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can drive 1.38% GDP growth in developing economies.
With Nigeria’s broadband penetration standing at 48.81% as of August 2025, the EVC emphasized that achieving the National Broadband Plan target of 70% by 2025 could significantly enhance productivity, innovation, and job creation.
He compared Nigeria’s digital potential to success stories in Rwanda and India, where investments in broadband and digital governance have propelled economic expansion. “With over 200 million people and a median age of 18, Nigeria can not only follow those trajectories but surpass them, if we equip our youth with reliable, affordable, high-speed connectivity,” he said.
Progress and Policy Reforms
Under the Tinubu administration and the leadership of Dr. Bosun Tijani, the minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, NCC has implemented several strategic interventions to strengthen the telecommunications ecosystem.
Dr. Maida disclosed that through sustained advocacy, the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Presidential Order was signed in June 2024, providing legal backing for the protection of telecom assets.
Working with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Commission established a Telecom Industry Working Group to ensure full operationalization of the Order.
He added that public awareness campaigns, enforcement efforts, and prosecutions have already led to the dismantling of major cartels behind telecom equipment theft across the country.
On Right of Way (RoW), he revealed that 11 states have now waived charges entirely, while 17 others have aligned with the ₦145 per meter benchmark set by the Nigerian Governors Forum.
“Policy direction matters. In states that have waived RoW and supported infrastructure protection, operators are expanding networks with greater confidence,” he noted.
Investment Commitments and New Tools
The EVC announced that telecom operators have collectively pledged over $1 billion in new rollout investments to expand broadband coverage nationwide.
He also unveiled two upcoming NCC initiatives:
- The Ease of Doing Business Portal, a one-stop digital platform to simplify information access and engagement with all 36 states and the FCT.
- The Nigeria Digital Connectivity Index (NDCI), a yearly scorecard to measure and publish each state’s digital readiness and competitiveness.
Addressing Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite progress, Dr. Maida acknowledged ongoing challenges such as fibre cuts, vandalism, multiple taxation, energy instability, and inconsistent RoW regimes.
Between January and August 2025 alone, the NCC recorded 19,384 fibre cuts, 3,241 equipment thefts, and over 19,000 access denials to telecom sites.
He urged governors to adopt uniform, pro-investment policies and strengthen partnerships that promote security and sustainability in the digital sector.
“Pipelines of oil are giving way to pipelines of fibre. The prosperity of our states will depend on how fast we build, protect, and connect our digital networks,” Dr. Maida concluded.
About the Roundtable
The Business Roundtable Forum was organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to foster dialogue between federal and sub-national authorities on improving investments in broadband connectivity and safeguarding critical national infrastructure.
