Only four Nigerian states deliver on zero RoW pledge for fibre deployment

Summary

Since 2020 governors across Nigeria pledged to waive Right-of-Way (RoW) fees to speed up fibre deployment and reduce data costs. Five years on, TechCabal’s reporting shows only Anambra, Kaduna, Katsina and Kwara have genuinely implemented zero RoW. Many other states either charge the National Economic Council (NEC) recommended ₦145 per metre or higher, while some impose hidden levies that push costs far above announced rates.

Content summary

Industry groups and operators say the zero RoW announcements were widely political and inconsistently executed. ALTON says RoW-related expenses still account for over 60% of civil works costs. Examples: Lagos charges ₦850 per linear metre, Ogun over ₦2,500 and Osun up to ₦3,500. The FCT charges ₦850 but offsets that with duct infrastructure that eases maintenance. Operators report additional charges such as environmental impact fees, infrastructure restoration and community levies that effectively negate zero-rate promises. The result: slower broadband rollout, higher costs for operators and pricier internet for Nigerians. Operators urge uniform enforcement of the NEC’s ₦145 per metre resolution and clearer, transparent policy across states.

Key Points

Only four states — Anambra, Kaduna, Katsina and Kwara — have truly implemented zero RoW, according to industry sources.
Many states announced zero RoW but later introduced fees or hidden levies, turning pledges into publicity wins with little practical effect.
RoW-related charges still make up more than 60% of civil works costs for fibre deployment, per ALTON.
Fees vary widely: Lagos ₦850/m, Ogun >₦2,500/m, Osun ₦3,500/m; NEC recommended rate is ₦145/m.
The FCT’s higher charge is partly justified by investment in underground ducts, which reduce future maintenance costs.
High and inconsistent RoW fees disincentivise expansion into rural or less profitable areas, slowing progress toward national broadband targets.
Operators call for the Governors’ Forum and NEC resolution to be enforced uniformly and for greater transparency on ancillary charges.

Context and relevance

Nigeria aims for 70% broadband penetration and more affordable internet access, but fragmented RoW policies are a major bottleneck. This story matters to telcos, infrastructure investors, policymakers and anyone concerned with digital inclusion: when states treat RoW as a revenue stream rather than enabling infrastructure, rollout slows and costs rise. The piece highlights a structural policy problem that undermines Nigeria’s digital economy goals and points to simple fixes—standardised fees and better infrastructure (ducts) —that could accelerate progress.

Author style

Punchy — the reporting is direct and focused on the gap between political promises and industry reality. If you care about connectivity policy or telecom investment, read the details: they explain where money is being taken out of the system and why that matters for rollout and prices.

Why should I read this?

Short version: if you want cheaper, faster internet in Nigeria, this explains exactly what’s holding it back — and why a few genuine zero RoW policies matter. It’s a quick, practical breakdown of where promises failed, how hidden fees work, and what needs fixing. Useful whether you’re an operator, investor, policymaker or just fed up with slow broadband.