So far, eight states have complied with the resolution of the National Economic Council (NEC) aimed at addressing issues impeding telecoms infrastructure deployment in the country.
The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, who disclosed this in Abuja, said it is only Ekiti, Imo, Plateau and Katsina states that have complied with the NEC resolution, with Kwara State reducing RoW charges to N1 per linear meter of fibre.
Also, Anambra and Kaduna states, waived the charge.
He noted that Ogun State also waived 250km for Main One to lay fibre in the South-West state.
Speaking on how NCC has been facilitating strategic collaboration and partnerships since 2015 when he assumed office, Danbatta said the commission engaged key stakeholders, including government agencies and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) in several consultations.
He said: “The engagements have helped to address issues of multiple taxation, multiple regulations and minimum uniform Right of Way (RoW) charges, as well as address other issues impeding telecoms infrastructure deployment in some states.
“Ekiti, Imo, Plateau and Katsina States have complied with the National Economic Council resolution, with Kwara State reducing RoW charges to N1 per linear meter of fibre, while Anambra and Kaduna States, waived the charge. Ogun State, also, waived 250km for Main One to lay fibre.
“The NCC has continued to collaborate with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the banks in the area of National Financial Inclusion Strategy, NFIS.
“Today, Mobile network Operators, MNOs, participate fully in the provision of mobile money services to help actualize the 80 percent financial inclusion target of the Federal Government by the end of 2020.
“Through the issuance of USSD Short Codes to banks and other financial institutions, we have helped to boost financial inclusion,” said Danbatta.
