From Uchenna Ezeadigwe,
Awka
Government of Anambra State has expressed readiness to partner investors in the telecommunication sector of the state.
Speaking during the stakeholders’ forum on facilitating broadband access in the state through a favourable right of way regime, Governor Willie Obiano emphasized that his administration is strategically pursuing an agenda towards a realization of broadband access across the cities and rural areas of the state.
News Echo reports that the event was held on the webinar. The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, stated that broadband technology contributes so much to present day economic growth, which also enhances financial inclusion, security, education and is a key enabler for all the other sectors of the economy, announcing that Anambra became the first state in the South East to implement a N0.00 per linear meter, lower than the recommended one hundred and forty-five naira per linear meter by the National Economic Council as right of way charges.
He said that the gesture was to create an enabling environment for telecommunication companies to spur increased fiber infrastructure deployment in Anambra, which will further enhance broadband penetration.
Governor Obiano said that the state focuses on E-security, E-commerce, E-government, E-education and E-health which are in line with the policy direction of his administration. He assured that various mechanisms have been put in place to ensure a favourable environment to help businesses thrive in the state.
In a goodwill message through the Director, Digital Economy at Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Austine Nwaulune, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta, applauded Anambra state government for crashing the right of way charges to zero naira, an action he said will put Anambra State on the global map of Digital Economy, reiterating that the Commission in the drive for Broadband, has licensed Infrastructure Companies, InfraCos, for the South East and five other zones of the Federation, including Lagos as a special zone.
Also, the Managing Director of Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Barrister Chike Maduekwe said that as the body with the responsibility of granting building permits/approvals in the state for the deployment of fiber optics and other relevant approvals, they are taking a critical look at the guiding laws and practices obtainable in the state with a view to establishing a seamless working environment for the operations of telecommunication companies, pointing out that contributions from stakeholders in the Forum will form part of the considerations which will be utilized in the journey.
