Fiber Deployment Project Faces Hurdles, Stakeholders Warn
By Patience Ikpeme
The ambitious plan by the federal government to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables across Nigeria faces significant challenges, primarily due to obstacles posed by state governments, industry stakeholders have warned.
At the Sixth Edition of the Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFO) in Lagos, telecom operators and experts highlighted the critical issue of Right of Way (RoW) charges, multiple taxation, and levies imposed by state governments as major impediments to the project’s success.
The government’s proposed Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to implement the project is seen as a positive step towards bridging the digital infrastructure gap, but stakeholders emphasize that addressing the current challenges is paramount for its realization.
Chidi Ibisi, Executive Director of Broadbased Communications, underscored the need to tackle the high cost of RoW, fiber destruction by road construction companies, and vandalism to ensure the project’s success.
Chidi Ajuzie, Group Chief Operating Officer of WTES Projects Limited, highlighted the prevalence of informal RoW charges by individuals and communities as a major hindrance to fiber deployment. He emphasized the complexities arising from these informal payments, which often hinder progress.
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), stressed the importance of state government ownership of the project. He criticized the practice of states viewing telecom operators as revenue sources through excessive levies and charges.
Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centre (OADC), advocated for private sector involvement in the project’s execution, emphasizing the need for effective policies and an open environment for private sector participation. He also urged state governors to create enabling environments for infrastructure rollout.
The convener of PIAFO, Omobayo Azeez, emphasized the importance of the forum in fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to accelerate Nigeria’s digital economy. He highlighted the government’s new digital economy blueprint and the need for concerted efforts to achieve its objectives.
Overall, the stakeholders’ concerns underscore the complexities involved in deploying fiber optic infrastructure in Nigeria. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for the successful implementation of the government’s ambitious plan and achieving the goal of universal internet access.
