The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) today convened a high-level Business Roundtable on Improving Investments in Broadband Connectivity and Safeguarding Critical National Infrastructure, held at the NCC Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja.
Themed “Right of Way and Protection of Broadband Infrastructure – The Road to Success in Broadband Investment and Connectivity”, the roundtable brought together federal and state policymakers, telecom operators, private sector investors, development partners, and security agencies to accelerate digital infrastructure deployment and ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s critical telecom assets.
In his keynote address, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, underscored the transformative power of broadband connectivity and issued a resounding call for nationwide alignment in digital infrastructure policies.
“How much is an hour of connectivity worth?” Dr. Maida asked, framing the importance of uninterrupted internet access in enabling economic transactions, public safety, education, and healthcare. “Connectivity is the quiet enabler. When it fails, opportunities evaporate, productivity stalls, and in critical situations, lives can be put at risk.”
Highlighting the critical role of broadband in national development, Dr. Maida noted that as of August 2025, Nigeria’s broadband penetration stood at 48.81%, reaching over 140 million people. He emphasized that the ICT/telecom sector remains one of the largest contributors to GDP and that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can lead to an estimated 1.38% increase in GDP for developing nations.
“With over 200 million people and a median age of 18, Nigeria has the demographic edge. If we equip our youth with reliable, affordable, high-speed connectivity, we will unlock unprecedented innovation and digital prosperity,” he stated.
The EVC outlined a number of recent initiatives by the NCC and key government stakeholders:
CNII Presidential Order: Signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2024, this Order designates telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), empowering law enforcement to protect assets from vandalism, theft, and service disruptions.
Right of Way (RoW) Reforms: Dr. Maida lauded the growing collaboration with state governments, revealing that 11 states now offer zero RoW fees, while 17 states have capped fees at the NGF-agreed rate of N145 per linear metre.
“Dig Once” Protocols: The NCC is promoting coordinated infrastructure deployment with public works departments to reduce costs and prevent fibre cuts.
Regulatory Certainty: The Commission approved cost-reflective tariffs earlier in 2025, resulting in a $1 billion investment commitment from operators for expanded broadband rollout.
Fibre and ISP Study: A new wholesale fibre study will open up backbone infrastructure on transparent, fair terms to unlock last-mile expansion.
Data Transparency: New performance dashboards and outage reports will anchor accountability and improve service quality.
Despite this progress, Dr. Maida raised concern over persistent challenges: Over 19,384 fibre cuts and 3,241 equipment thefts were recorded between January and August 2025; Multiple taxation, energy supply volatility, and inconsistent RoW enforcement continue to hinder telecom expansion.
Dr. Maida called on all stakeholders—especially state governors and agencies—to play an active role in accelerating broadband growth and infrastructure protection.
“Every governor and state represented today holds a strategic lever. Policy direction matters. Waiving RoW charges, enforcing infrastructure protection, and enabling fibre deployment are decisions that can determine the prosperity—or stagnation—of your states.”
He issued concrete appeals: Adopt full RoW waivers or at least the NGF benchmark across all states; Enforce the CNII Presidential Order in collaboration with law enforcement; Coordinate public works and telecom builds through shared planning portals and dig-once frameworks; Institutionalize single-window permitting and transparent, predictable processes.
The EVC also unveiled two strategic tools launching this week: The Ease of Doing Business Portal – A centralized hub for digital infrastructure engagement across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT; The Nigeria Digital Connectivity Index (NDCI) – A performance-based scorecard to measure and publish each state’s digital readiness and competitiveness annually.
“Tomorrow’s prosperity lies in data, connectivity, and human potential,” he concluded. “Let us align, invest, and protect—state by state, community by community. The digital revolution does not wait. Will we align—or be left behind?”