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The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have entered into a strategic collaboration aimed at expanding broadband connectivity and safeguarding Nigeria’s critical national information infrastructure (CNII). This joint effort, leaders say, will play a pivotal role in driving inclusive economic growth, innovation, and service delivery across the 36 states of the federation.
The partnership was unveiled in Abuja when the NCC delegation, led by its Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Dr. Aminu Maida, visited the NGF Secretariat.
They were received by NGF’s Director General, Mr. Abdulateef Shittu, who described the engagement as a step forward in aligning subnational governments with Nigeria’s digital economy ambitions.
In his remarks, Dr. Maida emphasized that broadband penetration remains the backbone of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
He highlighted the persistent challenge of Right of Way (RoW) fees — currently set at ₦145 per linear meter — which he described as a “significant burden” on telecom operators.
“The Right of Way is a critical element in opening up the digital economy, and this lies within the purview of the states,” Maida said, urging governors to either waive or reduce the fees to accelerate fibre optic deployment.
According to him, removing such barriers would boost investment in telecom infrastructure, unlock new value chains, and ultimately expand tax revenue for state governments.
Responding, NGF Director General, Abdulateef Shittu, reiterated that digital infrastructure is no longer a luxury but a foundational requirement for modern governance and economic development.
“Broadband and secure information infrastructure are no longer optional inputs to development. They are foundational public goods,” Shittu said.
He outlined four areas for stronger collaboration with the NCC:
Institutional alignment through State Broadband Coordinating Councils.
Policy harmonization to standardize RoW regulations across states.
Resilience planning to secure CNII with state-level protection frameworks.
Information sharing to enhance capacity-building and digital literacy.
Shittu also referenced the World Bank’s SABER initiative as a model for policy success, citing states that harmonized RoW fees, encouraged coordinated trenching, and eliminated excessive charges to attract private sector investments.
“These policy choices have led to rapid expansion of fibre networks, improved access to high-capacity internet, and tangible socio-economic benefits such as job creation, expanded healthcare access, and better educational outcomes,” he explained.
Both leaders underscored that the economic and social dividends of stronger digital infrastructure are enormous.
With broadband penetration still hovering below the desired global benchmark, experts say Nigeria risks being left behind in the digital race if urgent reforms are not implemented.
Dr. Maida noted that easing RoW challenges would directly enable telecom operators to scale up their investments, supporting small businesses, startups, and innovation ecosystems across the country.
Shittu added: “Expanded fibre coverage raises productivity, supports job creation, broadens access to education and health services, and enlarges the taxable base available to state governments.”
The NGF proposed leveraging the upcoming NCC Business Roundtable as a platform to translate commitments into concrete state-level actions.
Shittu further suggested that both institutions should convene follow-up workshops to replicate best practices from leading states and develop toolkits for those lagging behind.
“We must adopt measurable targets and clear timelines to ensure that commitments are translated into real progress,” he stressed.
Industry stakeholders believe this partnership could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s digital economy.
If successfully implemented, it has the potential to accelerate broadband penetration, strengthen cyber resilience, and position Nigeria as a digital hub in Africa’s emerging knowledge economy.