The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami, has urged governors to emulate their Kwara State counterpart, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq over his recent reduction of the Right of Way (RoW) charges for telecommunication companies.
“We hope all other Governors emulate your patriotic gesture,” Pantami said in a letter addressed to AbdulRazaq on behalf of the ministry.
Duaglobalnews recalls that AbdulRasaq recently, directed the slashing of the RoW fee for telcos from N5,500 per linear metre to N1 per kilometre of fibre — the second lowest in Nigeria after Kaduna.
The reduction took immediate effect. Until now, telcos were paying N5,500 per linear metre as the fee for laying fibre cables in the state.
The Governor said the decision was to strengthen digital penetration and improve Kwara’s ease of doing business ratings.
Pantami said he was highly “delighted about the decision” of AbdulRazaq which he observed would go a long way in helping the implementation of the National Broadband Plan recently launched by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“I wish to offer my sincere appreciation to you for adhering to the resolution of the State Governors under the auspices of the Governors’ Forum on of January 22, 2020.
“Your resolution of the RoW is truly commendable.
“It will enhance the prospects of broadband penetration in the country and promote a digital economy for a digital Nigeria. We believe an executive order will further give the decision a stronger policy backing, Pantami.” said.
