NCC EVC, Aminu Maida Calls For Unified Action To Strengthen Broadband Investment, Safeguard Nigeria’s Critical Infrastructure
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has urged State governments, investors, and stakeholders to unite in advancing broadband connectivity and protecting critical national infrastructure, stressing that Nigeria’s digital future depends on decisive, coordinated action.
Dr. Maida made the call during the Business Roundtable on Improving Investments in Broadband Connectivity and Safeguarding Critical National Infrastructure, held at the NCC Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja, with the theme “Right of Way and Protection of Broadband Infrastructure – The Road to Success in Broadband Investment and Connectivity.”
The EVC opened his remarks with a thought-provoking question: “How much is an hour of connectivity worth?” He highlighted the indispensable role of broadband in driving productivity, enabling commerce, and supporting security operations across Nigeria.
“Connectivity is the quiet enabler. When it fails, opportunities evaporate, productivity stalls — and in critical situations, lives can be put at risk,” he stated.
Broadband: The New Engine of Economic Growth
Dr. Maida emphasized that broadband is no longer a luxury but the backbone of economic inclusion and national resilience. He noted that as of August 2025, Nigeria’s broadband penetration stood at 48.81%, with over 140 million people having internet access.
He cited global research showing that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can drive up to 1.38% GDP growth in developing economies.
“Imagine what a 20%, 30%, or 40% increase would mean — billions in additional economic output, new jobs, and innovation hubs across our states,” he added.
Drawing parallels with Rwanda and India, Dr. Maida said Nigeria, with its youthful population of over 200 million, has the potential to surpass global peers if it invests aggressively in reliable, affordable, and high-speed connectivity.
Key NCC Initiatives Underway
Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria is pursuing the targets of the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025) — which aims for 70% broadband penetration and 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic backbone by 2025.
Dr. Maida outlined several strategic actions by the NCC to achieve these goals:
- Protection of Telecom Infrastructure:
Following the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Presidential Order signed by President Tinubu in June 2024, NCC has intensified efforts in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to enforce proactive protection of telecom assets nationwide.“We are ensuring compliance with site security standards, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with law enforcement for deterrence and speedy prosecution of vandals,” he said.
- Reduction of Right of Way (RoW) Fees:
He commended 11 states — including Adamawa, Bauchi, Enugu, Benue, and Zamfara — for waiving RoW fees entirely, while 17 others have adopted the N145 per linear metre benchmark.“Policy direction matters. Where states have waived RoW, operators are expanding networks faster and with greater confidence,” he noted.
- Investment Confidence and Tariff Review:
NCC’s regulatory interventions have restored investor confidence, with operators committing over $1 billion in additional broadband rollout. - Wholesale Fibre Study and Data Transparency:
The Commission has initiated studies to promote fair interconnection between backbone owners and ISPs, alongside improved performance disclosures and accountability dashboards.
Persistent Challenges
Despite progress, Dr. Maida expressed concern over recurring infrastructure vandalism, fibre cuts, and Right of Way inconsistencies across states.
Between January and August 2025 alone, Nigeria recorded 19,384 fibre cuts, 3,241 equipment theft cases, and over 19,000 site access denials, leading to significant service disruptions and economic losses.
He also pointed out challenges such as multiple taxation, energy volatility, and cumbersome permitting processes, all of which hinder rapid broadband deployment.
Call to Action
The EVC called for a united front among federal and state stakeholders to accelerate broadband investment and infrastructure protection.
“Every governor and policymaker in this room holds a strategic lever,” he said. “Waiving RoW fees, protecting telecom infrastructure, and supporting fibre deployment can determine the prosperity or stagnation of your states.”
Dr. Maida urged state governments to:
- Enforce telecom asset protection under the CNII Order.
- Adopt 100% RoW waiver or the NGF benchmark with clear timelines.
- Coordinate with road/public works agencies to prevent accidental fibre cuts.
- Promote transparency through single-window permitting systems.
- Establish State Digital Infrastructure Funds to attract private investment, particularly in rural areas.
Towards a Digitally Connected Nigeria
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Maida revealed that the NCC will soon launch two major initiatives:
- Ease of Doing Business Portal — a one-stop online hub linking all 36 states and the FCT.
- Nigeria Digital Connectivity Index (NDCI) — an annual scorecard assessing each state’s digital readiness and competitiveness.
“Pipelines of oil are giving way to pipelines of fibre,” Dr. Maida said. “The digital revolution does not wait. We must align, invest, and protect — for the prosperity of our people and the future of our nation.”
