Groups Commend Anambra Govt over RoW Fee Waiver

Stakeholders in the telecommunication sector have commended the Anambra State government for the decision of Chief Willie Obiano, governor of the state to waive the right of way charges for telecommunication companies.

Chief Willie Obiano

The stakeholders in the sector, including representatives of Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), International Internet advocacy group, Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) who attended the conference spoke in commendation of Anambra State government during a broadband stakeholders’ conference in the state.

Recall that the National Economic Council had last year pegged the RoW charge at N145 per linear meter, but Obiano responding to this announced a zero charge for installation of telecommunications fibres.

A communiqué made available after the conference which was hosted by Anambra Physical Planning Board quoted stakeholders as applauding Governor Obiano.

Part of the communiqué read: “Conference strongly recommended that access to broadband is a major factor to catalyse economic growth through productivity, legal experts at the Conference canvassed the need for legal intervention.

“There was a strong submission for planning legislation, organisation of installation, development and maintenance of infrastructure. Conference identified that Anambra Physical Planning Law of 2013 does not contain a ‘Dig Once’ policy which requires amendment.

“Conference noted as positive development, the creation of an e-Planning Platform; implementation of online payments and integration with Anambra State Internal Revenue Service central billing system; a digital, independent complaint mechanism for construction permit issues.”

The conference was attended by Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, Minister of communication and digital economy, Malam Isa Pantami, chairman of Anambra State physical planning board, Barr Chike Maduekwe and several over stakeholders.