Ekiti Becomes First Nigerian State to Crash Right of Way Charges to N145

…says reduction will boost full broadband penetration in the state

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Thursday, signed an Executive Order reducing the Right of Way charges for telecommunication infrastructure by 97 per cent from N4,500 to N145 per linear metre.

This, according to him, will allow telecom operators to lay broadband or any other telecommunications infrastructure and ensure full broadband penetration in the state by 2021.

“This decision will ensure Ekiti achieves full broadband penetration by 2021 to attract new businesses, create jobs, improve access to quality healthcare and digital education while improving internally generated revenue.

“It is also aligned with the ongoing development of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, designed to be Nigeria’s first service-based innovation park,” Fayemi tweeted on Thursday.

In the executive order No. 007 of 2020, the state government said it desired to provide all residents in Ekiti, especially rural communities with access to reliable and affordable broadband connectivity.

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According to the governor, certainty and transparency in right of way charges were required to attract local and foreign investment for the development of broadband and other telecommunication infrastructure across the state.

“The Right of Way charges related to the laying of broadband or any other telecommunications infrastructure in Ekiti State shall not exceed One Hundred and Forty-Five Naira (N145) per meter,” he added.

Setting the pace at a time when most activities have moved online, Fayemi through the special adviser on Investment, Trade and Innovations, Mr Akin Oyebode stated that the decision is necessary to improve broadband penetration which will hitherto attract innovations to the region.