In a bid to enhance digital infrastructure, Niger State Executive Council has given approval to a private fiber optic company to operate with a remarkable zero naira per linear meter Right of Way (RoW) charge.
The commissioner for communications and digital economy, Hon Suleiman Isah, said the landmark decision signalled the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering an environment conducive for private sector investment and technological advancement.
He said, “In exchange for this unprecedented RoW charge exemption, the private fiber optic company has pledged to install a 40-kilometre fiber metro ring across the state capital.”
The commissioner said the company has committed to providing public Wi-Fi services, Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) connectivity, fixed telephony and internet access at all state-owned tertiary institutions within the metro ring.
“This initiative is set to significantly boost digital connectivity and empower students and faculty with enhanced access to information and communication technologies,” he further said.
Isah explained that while the standard RoW charge in Niger State remains at N145 per linear meter, as per the 2022 gazette of the Consolidated Revenue Administration Law, the Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago administration recognised the importance of digital infrastructure in driving economic growth.
The commissioner emphasized the government’s dedication to initiatives that prioritize the welfare and interests of the people.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting proposals that do not rely on state resources for financing and underscored the significance of private sector drivers in advancing sustainable digital infrastructure provisioning.
Isah said Niger State is proud to position itself as a sub-national prototype state, offering an enabling environment for private sector innovation by embracing forward-thinking policies and fostering collaborative partnerships, poised to unlock new opportunities and propel itself towards a prosperous future.
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