This was revealed during the inaugural Rural Connectivity Summit organised by Business Metrics, in Lagos, where Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), stressed that connectivity is far more than speed, it’s about economic inclusion.

“The accurate measure of connectivity is not in megabits per second, but in the economic value it creates or loses,” said Dr Aminu Maida, whose keynote address was delivered by Tunji Jimoh, Zonal Controller of the NCC Lagos Office.

At the event, themed “Rethinking Digital Connectivity to Unlock Rural Economic Potential,” he described connectivity as “an indispensable part of life,” noting that when it fails, “opportunities stop, and lives can be at risk.”

Dr Maida noted that despite progress, rural Nigeria is digitally invisible, with internet access still at 23% compared to 57% in urban areas. This gap, he explained, cuts off millions from modern education, markets, healthcare, and financial services, a situation he called “unacceptable and unsustainable.”

Research shows that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can drive 1.38% GDP growth in developing economies. However, Nigeria’s broadband penetration as of August 2025 stood at 48.81%, below its potential. 

While coverage has expanded, with 3G and 4G networks reaching 86.34%, usage and household access remain at 39.2% and 40.1% respectively.

Nigeria’s ICT Development Index (IDI) score also exposes this imbalance. At 52.9, the country ranks 137th out of 164 economies, following far behind the global average of 77.6 and Africa’s 56.1.

To tackle these challenges, Dr Maida outlined NCC’s ongoing initiatives through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF). The Fund has financed over 2,500 educational projects and delivered 100,000 computers to schools nationwide.

One unique project is the Emerging Technology Centre at Ogun State Institute of Technology, where more than 9,000 students now have access to digital tools for innovation.

Beyond education, the USPF’s e-Health Project connects rural clinics to larger hospitals for remote consultations, while the e-Accessibility Project provides persons with disabilities with assistive technology. 

To ensure sustainability, the NCC has also launched the Impact Alliance, a partnership network involving private sector players, civil society, and international bodies, to co-invest in inclusive connectivity.

In response to the sabotage of telecom infrastructure, Dr Maida highlighted the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order, signed by the President in June 2024, empowering law enforcement to protect telecom assets. 

“Our advocacy has led to 11 states offering zero charges for right-of-way permits,” he said, adding that 70 others have aligned with the national benchmark of ₦145 per linear metre.

The Commission has also been working with mobile network operators, global partners like GSMA and the World Bank, and the Office of the National Security Adviser to safeguard telecom assets and promote affordable broadband deployment.

“We stand at a strategic crossroads. The global digital race is accelerating, and we must act decisively to ensure our youth are creators, not consumers, of digital value,” Dr Maida said.

He urged governors to support right-of-way reforms, operators to speed up rural rollouts, and communities to protect telecom infrastructure. “These assets are their bridge between backwardness and global relevance,” he stated.

With over 45% of Nigeria’s population still living in rural areas, the NCC wants digital inclusion to go beyond policies, it is a national strategy for growth.

The development, facilitated by the Anambra State ICT Agency under the leadership of Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, its MD/CEO, fulfills a request made during the NUJ Congress held on October 3, 2025, and marks another milestone in the ongoing drive to deepen digital inclusion across Anambra State.

Announcing the milestone, Agbata described the project as “a testament to what can be achieved when purpose meets partnership,” noting that “anytime there is power, journalists at the NUJ Secretariat will enjoy seamless and dependable internet access. You journalists are the voice of the people, the guardians of truth, and the architects of an informed society. Supporting your work is not just a duty; it is an honour.”

This initiative aligns with Governor Soludo’s “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” mantra, a forward-looking vision to democratize internet access, bridge information divides, and foster inclusion through technology.

Agbata further commended the visionary leadership of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, whose bold digital vision continues to unlock new possibilities across the state.

“Thank you, Mr. Governor, for providing the enabling environment and making the bold decision to waive the Right of Way (RoW) charges, which paved the way for broadband access and digital infrastructure development across Anambra,” he added.

By empowering these critical stakeholder group in state development, this milestone not only enhances media productivity but also reinforces Anambra’s position as a leader in digital governance, driven by innovation, partnership, and purpose.

Dr. Maida, the executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) posted his excitement through his verified X handle thus:

“I am excited to hear about Zamfara State’s groundbreaking move to eliminate Right of Way charges! This strategic decision will turbocharge digital infrastructure growth in the State, propelling Zamfara’s digital economy to new heights. A significant leap for Nigeria’s digital landscape! Hats off to Governor @daudalawal_ for his foresight and leadership!

Dr. Habib Gajam, executive secretary, Zamfara Innovation, Technology and Digital Economy Development Agency (ZITDA), had earlier shared the news about the Governor granting the NCC’s appeal for the elimination of Right of Way charges for telecom companies in Zamfara State.

He tweeted:

“Glad to announce that H.E @daudalawal_ has granted approval to @NgComCommission’s appeal for the elimination of Right of Way charges for telecommunication companies in Zamfara State.

“This is in line with @zitda__info’s commitment on improving broadband penetration that will unlock digital infrastructure investments and open up the digital economy”.

“Many thanks to Hon. Min. @FMCIDENigeria @bosuntijani and @Dr_AminuMaida for the collaborative engagement and keeping faith with us. Together we will do more. #WeMeanBusiness

https://twitter.com/Habibgajam/status/1764284064784126415

In case you do not know:

• Right of Way charge is a levy paid by telecommunication companies to state governments and in some cases, local governments, permitting the companies to dig up the roads and install telecommunications hardware such as optic fibre cables that carry internet traffic.
• The Right of Way charge has been fraught with inconsistencies across the states in terms of charges and has negatively impacted broadband infrastructure.

Nasarawa State in the North Central region of Nigeria eliminated right of way (RoW) costs for the construction, placement, laying and maintenance of telecoms network equipment in the state.

In a tweet on his verified X handle, Dr. Tijani wrote:

“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”.

Nasarawa State in the North Central region of Nigeria has joined Katsina, Anambra, Kaduna and Ekiti States in eliminating right of way (RoW) charges.

The charges were eliminated by Nasarawa, a state whose current population is approximately 2.5 million, since the passing of legislation last year, after which Nasarawa State Urban Development Board has been told not to collect charges.

The Katsina state government (in the northwest of the country bordering Niger), eliminated RoW charges last month. The NCC is reportedly in talks with the country’s 34 other states about waiving the fees.

Recall that in year 2020, 14 State governors and their agencies increased Right of Way charges, which was pegged at N145 per linear metre by the Federal Government.

This drew the ire of various stakeholders in the Information and Communications Technology sector who described the action of these governors as an affront and disregards to an earlier resolution reached by the National Economic Council (NEC).

However, through the interventions of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (now Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy), and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), some States agreed either to bring RoW charges to N1 per linear meter or outright removal of the charges.

Some States are yet to shift grounds on this matter.

Below are 21 Key Strides amongst others:

1. Infrastructure Enhancement via Full Implementation of Zero Right of Way (RoW) policy 

Governor Soludo’s bold move to strengthen infrastructure has led to the full implementation of the Zero Right of Way (RoW) policy.

This has motivated InfraCos to deepen tech infrastructure in the state by laying of fibre ducts, resulting in improved quality of service across the State.

Anambra remains one of the few states currently implementing the Zero ROW policy as a first step towards fully deepening broadband penetration.

2. Collaboration and Interconnectivity

The Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the State are currently in partnership with  the ICT Agency towards the establishment of an Internet Exchange Point in the State.

This initiative focuses on improving interconnectivity and reducing the cost of Internet access and deepening penetration. ISPs in Anambra are excited about the possibilities.

3. Public Wi-Fi Initiative

A Pilot Phase of the Public Wi-Fi (Solution Wi-Fi) has been activated at Aroma Junction, Book foundation and Unizik Gate, Ifite Awka.

This marks a significant stride and efforts are ongoing to extend this Public Wi-Fi to various public spaces across the State in line with the People’s Manifesto.

4. E-Government Infrastructure

The Agency, through its baseline Study of E-government Infrastructure in Anambra State has set the stage for a digital revolution in the Civil Service.

This initiative resulted in Governor Soludo’s approval of the procurement and distribution of the first batch of 200 state-of-the-art PCs and laptops to various MDAs, advancing the objectives of digitization and professionalism across the public sector. 2024 will witness the distribution of more digital tools to more civil and public servants in line with Mr Governor’s promise of modernizing the State’s workforce.

5. Digitized State’s Executive Council Processes

Successful digitization of the State’s Executive Council processes by transforming documents and presentations from manual to digital format, eliminating the need for costly printing. This has helped to make the process more efficient, cost effective, and sustainable.

6. Communication Enhancement

Deployment of the Unified Messaging Service (UMS) for enhanced communication and collaboration among all MDAs is a significant milestone. Civil servants have been assigned @anambrastate.gov.ng email addresses for seamless communication and collaboration within the public sector.

7. Land Administration Revolution

The Ministry of Lands with support from the ICT Agency has deployed its Centralized e-GIS System with complete ICT Infrastructure that is bound to revolutionize Land Administration in the State.

8. Project Management Dashboard

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI), with the State’s Strategy, Execution, and Evaluation (SEE) Office and the ICT Agency have fostered a partnership which has brought about the successful integration of technology into project management.

This has given rise to a Digital Delivery Dashboard, a real-time project monitoring tool to facilitate project tracking from inception to completion.

9. Policy Development

As a roadmap to achieving Prof. Chukuwma Soludo (Mr. Governor’s) vision of “Everything Technology and Technology Everywhere”, the ICT Agency has come up with a comprehensive draft ICT Policy document ; This policy was developed in collaboration and ensures comprehensive input which has resulted in a holistic document that represents the views of all relevant parties.

10. Blockchain Strategy

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy Blockchain Strategy has been adopted by the ICT Agency to promote and enhance the blockchain ecosystem activities in the State.

11. Identity Management Initiative

The ICT Agency in partnership with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, initiated an internship program that has resulted in the successful launch of the ANSG-EID Card scheme for civil servants and other government employees in June 2023.

12. Domain Adoption and Transition/Digital/Internet Assets Standardization

A pioneering move in the State’s E-governance efforts is the successful transition to the Federal Government-approved .ng second-level domain.

This initiative has paved the way for the successful relocation of Anambra State online digital assets (in line with Federal Government directives) to the “anambrastate.gov.ng” and “an.gov.ng” State owned domains.

13. Cybersecurity Enhancement

Currently, the ICT Agency is finalizing the implementation of a public cloud service that would secure Anambra State’s data locally, fortify cybersecurity, and save costs by consolidating the multiple cloud providers engaged by MDAs.

14. IT Project Standardization

In line with ANSEC directive, an ITPRS Portal has been established for the registration of external IT consultants. This platform ensures the digitalization and standardization of IT projects in the State, and issues certificates as proof of compliance to set standards.

15. GovTech Strategy Development

In response to Anambra State’s participation in a World Bank subnational Government GovTech Maturity Index survey, the ICT Agency developed an initial GovTech strategy framework. This framework has been designed to improve the State’s appeal to technology partners on a global scale.

16. Budget System Automation

The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has automated the State’s budget processes with support from the ICT Agency.

17. Development of the Anambra State Health Facilities Management System

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Agency has developed a platform to enhance healthcare administration and streamline the management of health facilities, ensuring efficient operations and improved delivery of healthcare services across the state.

18. Telemedicine Deployment

Currently working closely with the Ministry of Health to deploy a robust Telemedicine solution for the State.

19. Local Government Automation

The Ministry of Local Government in collaboration with the ICT Agency is on an ongoing automation and digitization process of all 21 LGAs of the State. This automation process is about 75% completed and will be deployed within Q1 ’24.

20. Internship/Volunteers Partnership Programme

The Anambra ICT Agency is proud to have launched its Internship/Volunteers Partnership Programme tailored for ICT undergraduates and skilled IT professionals.

This initiative is currently ongoing and is aimed at fostering talent development and knowledge exchange. It provides a valuable platform for participants to gain hands-on experience and contribute to the state’s technological advancements.

21. Citizens Engagement Platform

The Anambra ICT Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget & Economic Planning and the Strategy, Execution & Evaluation Office is developing a dynamic initiative designed to foster transparent communication between the government and citizens.

This digital platform will encourage active participation, feedback, and collaboration, providing a space for citizens to engage with government initiatives.

MDAs’ Support

All State MDAs are being supported by the ICT Agency with digital services and solutions. These services and solutions include among others, website creation, content management, and various technical assistance to facilitate the digitization of their operational procedures.

All of the above strides demonstrate Prof. Chukuwma Soludo (Mr Governor’s) unwavering commitment to driving digital transformation and embracing cutting-edge technologies, positioning Anambra State prominently on the global stage.

We are inspired to continue pushing forward to an even more exciting future, where the possibilities for digital transformation and innovation are endless for our dear State.  #EverythingTechnologyTechnologyEverywhere

Anambra will WIN!

Solution is Here!!!

The event, which was held at the Jerome Udorji Secretariat, Awka, provided a platform to recognize the dedication and resilience of civil servants, underscoring their pivotal role in advancing public service.

Mr. Agbata, in a message to the state workforce, expressed gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his vision of establishing a liveable and prosperous Smart Mega City and shared insights into the agency’s commitment to digitization, aligning with the Governor’s ambitious goal of transforming Anambra into a technologically-advanced state.

According to Agbata, the theme, “Digitization of Work Processes in the Public Service: A Gateway to Efficient Resource Utilization and National Development,” emphasizes the transformative potential of integrating technology into public service operations.

He explained that the agency’s comprehensive digital transformation journey began with a survey of available digital work tools, revealing a digital gap.

“In response, a phased distribution of 200 state-of-the-art computers and laptops was initiated, with ongoing digital literacy training for select civil servants.

“Other milestones included the adoption of the second-level domain (2LD.ng) for official state emails (@anambrastate.gov.ng), facilitating seamless communication, and the launch of the E-ID card for civil servants on June 2nd, 2023, aimed at strengthening identity management and streamlining recognition.

“The introduction of the Anambra Cloud, a robust cloud infrastructure, addressed the critical need for a centralized data repository. Collaborating with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the agency initiated an automated budget process for efficiency and transparency.

“Governor Soludo’s initiatives, including zero charges on Right-of-Way (RoW) and the ongoing efforts towards the establishment of an Internet Exchange Point, further demonstrate a commitment to enhancing digital access and fostering high-speed broadband internet connection for all,” he said.

Mr. Agbata concluded his speech with a passionate call to action, urging civil servants to actively participate in the digital evolution, emphasizing the need for collective efforts, collaboration, and a shared commitment to drive Anambra State to new heights of technological excellence.

The key elements driving the objective focus on open access deployment of fibre infrastructure, is to achieve high level of penetration across all geo-political zones, contribute to GDP growth and development of knowledge economy, provide commpetitive and affordable pricing, and ensure intelligent incentives to support industry players while equipping Nigeria with leading infrastructure in Africa.

The ultimate imperatives for this objective, is to realize affordable prizing, high speed connectivity, high level of coverage and targeted government support.

NCC made frantic and graphic representation of the mapping where the Commission would be responsible for provision of licenses, regulation of services, and facilitation of agreements.

This relationship was supposed to be guided by an industry structure of the open access model of the type being implemented in Australia which involves provision of non-discriminatory broadband access and services to end users, and provision of non-discriminatory equal wholesale broadband connectivity using active infrastructure, while NetCos build and operate passive infrastructure.

There is no gainsaying that global phenomenon such as the scissors effect and economic recession pose significant threat to the capacity to finance broadband infrastructure developments, especially for nationwide rollout. This, was probably chief among reasons NCC adopted the Open Access Model that would led to Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos) rolling out services at regional approach with Lagos having a special attention.

Years down the line, State Governments seem to have orchestrated means to arm-twist the InfraCos thereby frustrating the NCC’s move.

Recall that NCC has gone ahead to license six (6) InfraCos across the six geo-political locations of Nigeria, with additional InfraCo to operate in Lagos.

MainOne (now an Equinix Company) and IHS Limited got the first two licenses to cover Lagos and the North Central zone including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) respectively in November 2014.

After about three years, IHS returned the license to the NCC over difficulties in securing the right of way approval to deploy infrastructure in the North Central Zone.

Other licensed InfraCos are Zinox Technology Limited for Southeast and Brinks Integrated Solutions Limited for Northeast.

O’dua Infraco Resources Limited is meant to serve the Southwest, Fleek Networks Limited for Northwest and Raeana Consortium Limited for South-South.

TechEconomy gathered that Broadbase Communications Limited last year picked up the license for parts of the North Central.

However, rolling out has not been easy for InfraCos despite a longer tenor and cheaper license costs.

The InfraCo license costs about N2.5 million for a 20-year period and is subject to renewals. However, there are other payments that follow such as administrative fees.

Until recently when some governors commenced a review of Right of Way (RoW) fees, the cheap licenses were undermined by huge RoW fees.

How States frustrate InfraCos

You remember this photograph, right?

Around January 2020, Prof. Isa Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy,  and Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in Abuja, met with the Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi (he has since handed over as both Governor and the chairman of NGF).

The meeting, it was disclosed is a follow-up to discussions on how to address the issue of Right of Way (RoW) and other similar challenges confronting the telecoms industry.

Recall that 14 state governors and their agencies increased Right of Way charges, which is pegged at N145 per linear metre by the Federal Government. The states, according to reports are Lagos, Kano, Anambra, Ondo, Cross River, Kogi, Osun, Kaduna, Enugu, Adamawa, Ebonyi, Imo, Kebbi and Gombe.

This drew the ire of various stakeholders in the Information and Communications Technology sector who described the action of these governors as an affront and disregards to an earlier resolution reached by the National Economic Council (NEC).

Well, there were some positives from Pantami and Danbatta’s neeting with the then NGF Chairman. However, an industry play (who prefers to remain anonymous) confided in TechEconomy that some States that had agreed either to bring RoW charges to N1 per linear meter or outright removal of the charges, have resorted to gimmicks to frustrate the operators.

For instance, an InfraCo has entered into agreement with a State in the Southern part of the country for possible collaboration to lay metro fibers. While the InfraCo has sourced fund and was ready to embark on the phase-by-phase deployment of fibre cables and building of ducts, the State, through its Agency, started rolling out such infrastructure.

The State, according to our source, insists that the InfraCo must patronize them or they will be frustrated from using the NCC InfraCo license to commence the process.

“And the price the State wants to rent the infrastructure to the InfraCo is very high. It is not acceptable. NCC needs to find another means to get the States to support the InfraCo model because as it is today everything is on a standstill”.

The InfraCo project, which has dragged on for over seven years now, has become a source of worry to the telecommunications industry. This is even as broadband penetration and speed continue to gallop.

“The slow take-off of the InfraCos can also be attributed to other challenges such as insecurity, foreign exchange (forex) inconsistencies; poor projected return on investments (RoI) because people’s purchasing power is getting lower. The truth is that some regions are less viable. You also have to consider the fact that licensees have not been able to access Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)’s N64 billion counterpart funding (subsidy) for the project.

In conclusion, NCC came up with a brilliant idea called InfraCos under its Open Access (infrastructure) Model and has gone ahead give license to operators for the Layer 1 (dark fibre) services on a commercial basis with a focus on the deployment of metropolitan fibre and transmission services, available at access points – Fibre-to-the-Node or neighbourhood (FTTN) – to seekers.

The InfraCo Project is considered as the beginning of the “Next Level” journey towards achieving the 120,000km target of fibre connectivity set by the current administration. However, we believe the lack of political will on the side of the States, among other challenges, must be urgently addressed so that the InfraCos can ‘commence’ business as expected.