Niger State has joined a growing list of Nigerian states waiving right-of-way (RoW) fees for telecom operators, aiming to attract investment and expand internet access. The move, formalized in September 2024, makes Niger the twelfth state to eliminate these charges, which have long been a barrier to broadband expansion across the country.
The RoW fee waiver means telecom companies can now lay fibre optic cables and other critical infrastructure by paying a single, non-refundable permit fee, instead of recurring charges. This policy is expected to lower costs for operators and encourage them to deploy more infrastructure, especially in underserved rural areas.
However, experts say waiving RoW fees is only part of the solution. States like Lagos, which still charges RoW fees, lead the country in fibre deployment thanks to strong infrastructure, business-friendly policies, and high urban population density. In contrast, some states with free RoW still struggle to attract investment due to weak infrastructure, bureaucratic hurdles, and low demand for internet services.
Suleiman Isah, Niger State’s Commissioner for Communications Technology and Digital Economy, explained that the decision to waive fees was partly driven by a surge in fibre cuts caused by extensive road construction in the state. Between January and February 2025, nearly 230 fibre cuts were reported, disrupting services and highlighting the need for better collaboration between government and telecom operators.
Industry leaders stress that while fee waivers help, states must also improve their infrastructure, simplify approval processes, and stimulate local demand to truly close Nigeria’s digital divide. As the federal government pushes for nationwide broadband expansion, the real test will be whether these reforms can translate into faster, more reliable internet for millions of Nigerians.
