The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says some state governments charge telecommunications companies about N9000 per linear metre for right of way.
The right-of-way charge is a levy telcos pay to state governments to lay fibre optic cables that carry internet traffic on state roads.
Hauwa Wakili, head of digital services and skills, NCC, revealed this at the launch of the ‘Access To Finance Services In Nigeria (A2F) 2023 survey’ by EFInA on Wednesday.
Wakili said the state governments are charging above the stipulated fee of N145 per linear metre — making it difficult to improve access to communication in Nigeria.
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“Rights of way is supposed to be N145 per linear metre, however, we see some states charging as high as 9000 per linear metre. So that has been a major issue in ensuring that we are able to get that infrastructure in all those places,” Wakili said.
She said seven companies have been licensed to lay the necessary infrastructure, but the high fee demanded by some state governments has been a hindrance.
“This is one of the major issues, aside from vandalisation, multiple taxation – some companies are charged with as high as 49 different taxes in a state,” Wakili said.
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On Friday, Ibrahim Kaula, chief press secretary to Dikko Radda, Katsina state governor, said other states are charging telcos above the fee approved by NCC.
Kaula spoke about the right-of-way fee while announcing Katsina state government has waived the charge for network providers in the state.
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