Fayemi drops 'Right of Way' charges for laying of broadband, telecoms infrastructures

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has dropped the 'Right of Way' charges relating to the laying of broadband and telecommunications infrastructures in the state.

The executive order signed 12th May, will see the charges dropped from the sum of 4,500 to N145 per meter, effective immediately.

According to the government, the move is to pave the way for the attraction of "new businesses, create jobs, improve access to quality healthcare and digital education while improving internally generated revenue."

In a statement released by the state government's official Twitter handle, the government said that the move is part of an ongoing reform by Governor Fayemi.

"Ekiti is the first state in Nigeria to comply with the NEC approved Right of Way charges for broadband thus becoming the cheapest state for broadband infrastructure investment as 1km of cable will now cost just N145,000 as against N4.5m previously.

"This Executive Order is part of the ongoing reforms by the Ease of Doing Business project inaugurated by the Governor last year to improve indices that will make Ekiti State an attractive destination for national and international investments in 5 years.

"According to the Special Adviser Investment, Trade and Innovations, Mr. Akin Oyebode @AO1379, this decision will ensure Ekiti achieves full broadband penetration by 2021 to attract new businesses, create jobs, improve access to quality healthcare and digital education while improving internally generated revenue.

"It is also aligned with the ongoing development of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, designed to be Nigeria’s first service-based innovation park."

See a copy of the signed document below:

BREAKING NEWS

Broadband Penetration: Governor Fayemi @kfayemi crashes Right of Way charges from N4,500 to N145 per meter in Ekiti State.https://t.co/Tdli22B6Sr pic.twitter.com/7QqI4dJyjK

— Government of Ekiti State (@ekitistategov) May 14, 2020