Despite its substantial investment in broadband infrastructure, Ogun State has emerged as the most expensive Nigerian state for fibre optic cable deployment, charging ₦9,477 per metre for Right-of-Way (RoW) permits. This is according to data compiled by telecom operators and shared with TechCabal.
RoW fees are levies imposed by state governments for the installation of fibre optic cables—critical for expanding internet access. The newly released data paints a picture of inconsistent policies across the country, with some states prioritising revenue over digital infrastructure development.
Osun State, which has laid just 64km of fibre—the second-lowest among all states—follows Ogun in cost, charging ₦6,850 per metre. Lagos, with the highest fibre coverage in the country at 7,864.6km, ranks third with a charge of ₦6,264 per metre.
Other states with high RoW fees include Oyo (₦5,303), Cross River (₦4,737), Rivers (₦4,047), Edo (₦3,491), and Ondo (₦3,075). In contrast, Gombe stands out as the most affordable, charging just ₦500 per metre.
While the National Economic Council (NEC) in 2013 recommended a standardized fee of ₦145 per metre to accelerate broadband rollout, the guideline lacked legal backing and was largely ignored. Some progress came in 2020 when federal and state governments revisited the policy, leading to reductions or eliminations in a number of states.
Currently, 12 states, including Kaduna, Ekiti, and Plateau, have waived RoW charges entirely, while four others—Delta, Enugu, Ebonyi, and the Federal Capital Territory—adhere to the NEC-recommended rate.
Officials in these states argue that fee waivers encourage broader investment in digital infrastructure. In Niger State, for example, a law adopting the ₦145 rate was later superseded by an executive order removing the fee altogether. Commissioner for Communications Suleiman Isah explained that the goal is to attract more investment, with plans to potentially amend the law based on long-term outcomes.
In Anambra, over 1,000km of fibre has been deployed, mostly around commercial centres like Onitsha and Nnewi. State ICT Agency head Chukwuemeka Fred Akpata said the waived RoW fee was designed to extend coverage to underserved communities.
However, telecom industry stakeholders say challenges persist. Gbenga Adebayo, President of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), argued that many states continue to impose indirect fees—such as education and road taxes—that deter investment, even if the official RoW fee is waived.
“Instead of charging RoW fees, states should focus on leveraging telecom investments for social development,” Adebayo said, warning that the current fragmented approach risks deepening digital inequality across regions.
While some state governments, such as Edo under Governor Godwin Obaseki, have successfully partnered with telecom firms to expand digital access by removing RoW charges, a lack of national policy enforcement continues to stall progress toward universal broadband access.
Until a consistent, enforceable national framework is implemented, experts warn that Nigeria’s digital future will remain patchy, with some regions advancing quickly while others are left behind.
