Nigeria is making big moves to boost its internet coverage, with 11 states now scrapping Right of Way (RoW) fees for telecom companies. Bosun Tijani, the Communications and Digital Economy Minister, shared the news, calling it a key win for the country’s mission to get more people online. This step ties into a wider federal plan to convince states to ditch these charges, which have long slowed down efforts to roll out fibre optic cables and expand fast internet, especially in areas that need it most.
What Are Right of Way Fees?
Right of Way fees are what states charge telecom firms to lay cables, build towers, or set up other gear along public roads and land. In Nigeria, these costs have been all over the place, depending on the state, and often pile up fast at N145 per meter. For years, companies have grumbled that these fees make it tough to bring broadband to far-off rural spots where the payoff isn’t as quick. Dropping them could change that.
A Drive for Better Internet
President Bola Tinubu’s government sees fast, widespread internet as a must for growing the economy, improving schools, and sparking new ideas. A fresh Digital Economy report from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), handed over on February 24, 2025, pushed hard for states to cut RoW fees to speed things up. Tijani said the call is working—11 states are now on board, up from just seven before. Zamfara, Katsina, Anambra, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Bauchi, and Adamawa were already in, and four more have joined, though their names weren’t mentioned yet. He’s hopeful all 36 states plus Abuja could sign on by mid-2026.
Why It’s a Big Deal
Cutting these fees means it’s cheaper to lay fibre optic cables the backbone of fast internet. For big players like MTN, Airtel, and Globacom, that could free up cash to wire up places they’ve skipped before. Better internet could mean quicker downloads, cheaper data down the road, and a lifeline for millions in rural areas stuck with spotty service.
Right now, only about 44% of Nigerians have broadband, well short of the 70% goal set for the end of 2025. Moves like this are crucial to catch up. Beyond homes, reliable internet helps businesses, classrooms, and clinics, opening doors for more people. It also backs up the government’s push to lay 90,000 kilometers of fibre optic cable across the country, a massive project to tie Nigeria together digitally.
More Ideas on the Table
The NIPSS report went beyond fees, laying out eight steps to grow Nigeria’s digital edge. It pitched moving government offices to one online hub (OneGov.ng), switching to IPv6 for more internet capacity, and training young people through the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program. It also suggested Digital Health Innovation Hubs and steady funding to keep things rolling. Tijani said Nigeria could lead Africa in adopting IPv6, putting it ahead in the tech game.
Hurdles and Hope
Not everything’s smooth sailing. Some states are still holding out, and uneven rules could trip things up. Telecoms are also juggling higher costs from inflation, a weaker naira, and pricier fuel, which might cut into what they save from the fee waivers. Plus, vandals keep hitting telecom gear, driving up repairs.
Even so, Tijani’s upbeat. He sees the 11 states as proof more are getting the message about what broadband can do. “This is a solid step,” he said, hinting that talks with states and companies could pull in others soon. The government’s also looking at perks to keep telecoms growing.
What’s Next?
Dropping RoW fees in 11 states isn’t just about saving money, it’s a sign Nigeria’s serious about getting connected. If the rest of the states jump in, the country could see a huge jump in internet access, opening up possibilities for millions. Telecoms need to move fast to make the most of it, while the government keeps pushing forward. With 2025’s broadband deadline closing in, every move matters—and this could be the one that tips the scales.
