Telecommunications companies seeking to expand fibre-optic networks in Nigeria face sharply different charges across states, with Ogun reportedly demanding ₦6,600 per metre despite a national agreement reached 13 years ago that set the rate at ₦145 per metre.
The disparity raises concerns about the cost of extending broadband infrastructure, particularly into underserved communities where operators may need to invest heavily before attracting enough customers to recover their expenses.
Ekiti State presents another financial hurdle, with its fibre rollout application fee reportedly reaching ₦700,000. Such charges add to the administrative and infrastructure costs companies must consider when planning network expansion.
According to Brandspur Brand News, the differences between the agreed rate and the fees imposed in some states highlight the difficulties facing efforts to make fibre deployment more affordable and consistent across the country.
Fibre-optic cables form a critical part of modern telecommunications infrastructure, carrying large volumes of data to support broadband internet, mobile networks and other digital services. Expanding these networks can improve connectivity for households, businesses, schools and public institutions, particularly in areas where access remains limited.
However, the cost of securing permission to lay cables along roads and other public corridors can influence where operators choose to invest. Higher deployment expenses may make some locations less commercially attractive, potentially slowing the extension of reliable internet services to communities that need better connectivity.
For Nigerian businesses, improved broadband access can support digital payments, online commerce, remote work and access to wider markets. Consumers also rely on dependable internet connections for education, communication and entertainment.
The contrast between the ₦145-per-metre agreement and the charges reported in Ogun and Ekiti raises questions about how consistently the arrangement has been implemented across states.
Without greater alignment in fibre deployment costs, efforts to extend broadband access nationwide could face additional financial and regulatory obstacles, leaving the expansion of digital infrastructure more difficult in some locations than in others.
