By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has cautioned state governments against shutting down telecom sites or imposing arbitrary levies, warning that such actions threaten Nigeria’s digital growth and national security.
Represented by Enebong Effiom, Director of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Protection, Ribadu spoke at a Business Roundtable in Abuja, identifying multiple taxation and inconsistent right-of-way (RoW), charges as major obstacles to broadband expansion.
“Broadband is not just business, it’s a national asset,” Ribadu said, urging states to adopt investor-friendly policies.
NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, revealed that over 19,000 fibre cuts and 3,241 equipment thefts were recorded in 2025, stressing the need for stronger infrastructure protection.
He said broadband penetration stood at 48.81% as of August 2025 and announced plans for a new Ease of Doing Business Portal and Nigeria Digital Connectivity Index to track state performance.
NGF Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, pledged state support for broadband expansion, noting that 11 states now offer zero RoW charges.
