Right of Way waiver by Governor Willie Obiano  will, among other positives,  make Anambra State more attractive to Network operators and attract investment in the infrastructure needed to support economic wellbeing of the state, avers PROF. UMAR GARBA DANBATTA.

I am honoured, being invited to give this goodwill message in an occasion with focus on matter that is very dear to my heart and that of the Management and Board of the Nigerian Communications-Broadband Infrastructure Development.

Coming on  the heels of the launch of two key Policies: the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025; and the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030 by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, this initiative of Facilitating Broadband Access in Anambra State through a Favourable Right of Way Regime could not have come at a better time.

I thank our host the Executive Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Dr. Willie Obiano, his Deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, and all the other eminent members of Cabinet for inviting me to the Forum. Hosting the forum and having me to speak on the subject:  “Facilitating Broadband Access in Anambra State through a favourable Right of Way Regime ” are testimonies that Anambra State is cruising on the path of digital economy.

Both the Policy and Strategy require the inputs and support of key stakeholders such as the Federal and State Governments, MDA’s and the Private Sector. Indeed the policy and Strategy assigned responsibilities to relevant stakeholders.

I am particularly delighted to inform you that the Commission in the drive for Broadband has licensed Infrastructure Companies a.k.a Infracos for the South East and five (5) other zones of the Federation including Lagos as a special zone.

Under this initiative, the South-East Infraco licensee (Messrs. Zinox Technologies Ltd.) will be required to provide at least one (1) Point-of-Access (PoA) in each of the 95 LGA’s that constitute the region and interconnect them with 1,314Km of Optic Fiber Cable (OFC).

Right-of-Way (RoW) charges, are  a major limiting factor to provision of broadband services in Nigeria, as they  slow down network deployment with the cost of the limited capacities ultimately passed to the subscribers. Knowing this, the Honourable Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami  FBCS,FNCS;FIIM and the Commission’s Management led by my humble self, are committed to keep dialoguing with the Federal and State Governments to lower the charges to N145 per linear meter earlier agreed or waive the charges entirely,  as we know that this is the path to progress in our drive for Broadband, propelling rapid roll-out of services and better the livelihood of Nigerians through the myriads of services that come with the Digital Economy where Fibre Infrastructure plays a major role.

I must applaud His Excellency and Anambra state, one of the two states that have not just reduced the Right of Way charges offered to operators, but waived it completely, for this, we are eternally grateful. This action, is sure, to put Anambra State on the global map of Digital Economy.

Result of study has shown that for every 10 per cent increase in Broadband penetration, there is a corresponding 1.38 per cent increase in GDP. This RoW waiver, will also make Anambra State more attractive to Network operators and attract investment in the infrastructure needed to support economic wellbeing of your Excellency’s economic jurisdiction.

The Commission has always encouraged Governments to include Telecommunications infrastructure like ducts and others as they plan their cities and towns. A well planned city is one of the keys to the Digital Economy, a planned city anticipates future development, opens new revenue streams for government and safeguards roads, water pipes, bridges and other infrastructure from unnecessary destruction and re-adjustments to fit-in additional infrastructure in the future.

The Commission is confident that the efforts of the Government and people of Anambra state will usher in a new technological vista for the state by providing enabling environment for Entrepreneurs and Innovators in the field of ICT. This, will complement the renowned Nnewi Hardware Technology Hub.

I will not end this remarks without calling on the other state governors to emulate the two states that have entirely waived the RoW charges for Network operators. I also do urge His Excellency to be our advocate to his other colleagues to emulate their elimination of RoW charges. This, for sure, will unleash economic wellbeing tomorrow; turning our teaming youths to job creators instead of seekers, for those that choose to be innovators and entrepreneurs and millions of technology jobs for those that choose to seek white collar jobs. Giving up the RoW fees today is like separating seed that you will sow to guarantee  a prosperous future (Digital foundation) in numerous thematic areas; Commerce, Education, Agriculture, Finance and Trade Education Health and Social, Business and Industry, Transport and energy, Safety and Security e.t.c

Your Excellency, the Executive Governor and the good people of Anambra state, I thank you for putting this Forum together. This, we know, is a part of the wider Anambra State Integrated Urban Regeneration Initiative.  Anambra, indeed ,is progressive!

I wish you all fruitful deliberations and successful outcomes. Your  Excellency, Thank you once again.

Thank you. 

*Being Goodwill Message of the Executive Vice Chairman/ CEO of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, at the Anambra State Broadband Infrastructure Development Stakeholders Forum   with the theme: “Facilitating Broadband Access in Anambra State through a Favourable Right of Way Regime”

* Editor’s Note: Prof. Danbatta was ably represented at the event by the Director of Digital Economy at the Commission, Engr. Austin Nwaulune.