Africa Business News

Niger State has officially waived right-of-way (RoW) fees for fibre optic infrastructure, becoming the twelfth Nigerian state to implement the policy to incentivise telecom operators and expand internet access. The policy, formalised in a government gazette dated September 2, 2024, and signed by Governor Muhammed Umar Bago, is part of a broader effort to attract private-sector investment, extend internet access to remote communities, and digitise public services. Under the new policy, telecom operators will pay a one-time, non-refundable application fee of ₦500,000 ($311.80). Niger State’s Commissioner for Communications Technology and Digital Economy, Suleiman Isah, says the fee covers both initial network deployment and any future expansions. He added that even if a company received its permit ten years ago, they are not required to pay again for expansion—just notify the state. Niger, the state with the fifth largest fibre infrastructure (3,681.66km), now joins the list of states—Zamfara, Katsina, Ana