70% Broadband Penetration: NGF to collaborate with Federal Government

In a bid to achieve the Federal Government’s target of 70% broadband penetration, the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has expresses preparedness to collaborate with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy,

Chairman of the forum, Kayode Fayemi while addressing journalists after the meeting of the governors in Abuja on Thursday explained that the move is aimed at developing the states’ digital economic strategies.

He revealed that some of the areas of intervention include the harmonisation of all rights of way charges as well as multiple taxations.

“Governors are committed to harmonise all rights of way charges to achieve the 70% national broadband penetration target by the end of the year 2020.

“Members (NGF members) also invite the ministry to take full advantage of the universal service provision fund (USPF) which was set up to facilitate investment in critical communication infrastructure across part of the country not considered commercially viable,” Fayemi said.

The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy in reaction said he is optimistic that such collaboration with the governors will help to speed up broadband penetration across the states.

According to him, the issues of multiple taxation and right of way charges which the governors have promised to address are some of the critical challenges militating against broadband penetration.