Governors in Nigeria have assured the Federal Government of their full cooperation on the issue of “Right of Way” to enhance broadband penetration to boost the nation’s digital economy drive.
Edo State Governor, Southern Nigeria, Mr.Godwin Obaseki gave the assurance when he addressed the maiden edition of the Broadband Technical Awareness Forum For Governor’s, organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Thursday in Abuja.
Obaseki who said broadband penetration was vital to improving governance in the states also said that the regulator must create mutual trust for the Governors to key into the programme.
“ICT in particular enables smarter, transparent and effective governance system. I want to assure the Minister and the NCC that states are willing and ready to collaborate and work with you .What we need to do is to build more trust, a few things happened in the past during Covid 19, MTN wanted to give states like Edo access to more broadband but they didn’t get approvals from the regulator.”
According to Governor Obaseki “When the policy of broadband came out five years ago states were allocated certain providers but they didnt have capacity. For Edo state for instance we decide to bypass the instruction and went to get another deal with a different provider who had capacity that was how we are able to get 400km.
“The point I am making is that we should have an open relationship trust, we have to understand of what is going on in States and how they will benefit from internet penetration.”
“We believe there is so much to offer when we work together as subnational and Federal government but how we go about it must be of mutual benefit.There must be openness, trust and put in mind what the states need,” he stated.
Appeal To The State Governors
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami used the opportunity to once again appeal to the state Governors to see beyond the levy on Right of Way and other taxations.
He said “There is need for us to engage our sub-nationals, our Governors, let them understand the benefits of broadband penetration is beyond the right of way.
“Certain taxes being collected at the federal government which the states are benefiting the same tax is being collected at the state level. This is the reason why we engaged them so that they will see the benefits of broadband penetration beyond collection of right of way and other charges which are obstacles to broadband penetration in their states.
He also reemphasised the benefits of broadband penetration in all states especially in the areas of security and all sectors of economy.
“When there is broadband penetration in our states it will go a long way in supporting our security institutions, entire economy ecosystem, schools, citizens to update daily information and news. It is because of this our sub-nationals have a strong role to play. Particularly when they comply with the agreement I engaged them in, on the 15th of January 2020 under the Nigerian Governor’s Forum. And I also engaged the Governors at the National Economic Council. And at least four different times with the challenge of right of way and multiple taxation,” he said.
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), of the NCC , Professor Umar Danbatta appealed to the 36 state Governors to cooperate with the NCC and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to promote the nation’s digital economy drive.
“When you ask that the journey we have undertaken for almost ten to fifteen years or maybe 20 years and the verdict today is we are making progress indeed but we should ask ourselves; is that the kind of progress we would like to see? Or is there room for us to improve what we need to do, in order to reach that destination that we want to reach. Close to 30million Nigerians don’t have access to the internet. And International Telecommunications Union said ICT services should be provided for all; without any discrimination.
He stressed the fact that infrastructure must be deployed in a way and manner that promotes inclusiveness to bridge the digital gap across board.
“We can only achieve this dream by appealing to their excellencies spearheaded by the Edo State Governor that he should please cooperate with NCC, the Minister and promote digital economy,” he appealed.
Professor Pantami further explained: “When you look at the global broadband infrastructure ecosystem you will find out that the leading broadband infrastructure nations are those with the highest GDP per capital; these are countries with GDP per capital of between 50-60 thousand dollars.
“We can only manage our environment when we put broadband infrastructure in place. And above all we will be able to meet our sustainable development goals.
He adds that there is no goal that does not have ICT component in it, as he explained that the ICT component can only be accomplished if commensurate broadband infrastructure is put in place.
Lateefah Ibrahim
