The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), has joined other stakeholders in condemning the recent hike in Right of Way charges by 14 state governors in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its President, Engr. Olusola Teniola, ATCON described the governors’ action as unnecessary move, stressing that the hike will be counterproductive and slow down broadband development in the States.
While reiterating its commitment to work with the various State Governments and Agencies in providing an enabling environment for the establishment of more telecom and ICT Companies, the umbrella body of all telecom companies in Nigeria noted that the recent hike in the cost of Right of Way (RoW) did not augur well with the Association because it is going to slow down development in the States.
ATCON believes that what is needed at this time in the Nigerian telecom journey, is a collaboration with the State governments and their agencies to make policies that promote further investment which would lead to building more telecom infrastructures that are needed by the citizenry, governance and businesses to deliver hitch-free broadband services.
“The recent upward review of the RoW might be difficult to achieve. We, therefore, appeal for a reversal of the cost back to what is being charged before,” it urged.
Reports had it last week that 14 state governors and their agencies increased Right of Way charges, which is pegged at N145 per linear metre by the Federal Government. The states, according to the report are Lagos, Kano, Anambra, Ondo, Cross River, Kogi, Osun, Kaduna, Enugu, Adamawa, Ebonyi, Imo, Kebbi and Gombe.