Ekiti state government has slashed the right of way charges for telecommunications infrastructure from N4,500 to N145 per meter.

The State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, announced this development in a tweet from his official handle, @kfayemi.

I signed an Executive Order reducing the Right of Way charges related to laying broadband or any other telecommunications infrastructures from N4,500 to N145 per meter. pic.twitter.com/lq2nb28XxI
— Kayode Fayemi (@kfayemi) May 14, 2020

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This is part of the government’s strategy to create an enabling environment for businesses, ensure ease of doing business, and reduce barriers to capital investments and broadband services in the state.

The order read in part: “The government of Ekiti state is desirous of providing all those living in Ekiti state, especially rural communities with access to reliable, affordable broadband connectivity.

“Broadband connectivity across Ekiti state will enhance the ability of the government of Ekiti state to increase economic prosperity; attract new businesses, enhance job growth, extend the reach of affordable, high-quality healthcare, enrich student learning with digital tools, and facilitate access to the digital marketplace”

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.
— Kayode Fayemi (@kfayemi) May 14, 2020

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The order was signed on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, and took effect immediately.

According to the Governor, it is effective across 16 Local Government areas in the state and will attract local and foreign investments for the development of broadband and other telecommunication infrastructure across Ekiti state over the next five years.

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.
— Kayode Fayemi (@kfayemi) May 14, 2020

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With this development, Ekiti state has set the pace as the first state to comply with the National Executive Council (NEC) approved Right of Way Charges for broadband, and now has the cheapest rates for broadband infrastructure investment in Nigeria.