The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating affordable and faster broadband deployment across the country through the full implementation of the Dig Once Policy, supported by a new cost-based framework for sharing underground duct infrastructure.
The commitment was reiterated on Wednesday during the 2nd Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Pricing Mechanism for Ducts Built Under the Dig Once Policy, held at the NCC Annex in Mbora, Abuja.
The forum brought together representatives of the Federal and State Governments, telecommunications operators, Infrastructure Companies (Infracos), industry associations, development partners, and other stakeholders to review interim findings of the ongoing study and develop a transparent, equitable, and cost-based pricing framework for duct sharing.
The Dig Once Policy requires the installation of telecommunications ducts during road construction and rehabilitation projects to eliminate repeated road excavations for fibre optic deployment, reduce costs, and improve infrastructure efficiency.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis at the NCC, Mr. Ayuba Shuaibu, said the consultative process demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to inclusive and transparent regulation.
According to Shuaibu, the proposed framework is designed to balance the interests of infrastructure providers, access seekers, and consumers while encouraging continued investment in broadband infrastructure.
He added that the initiative would reduce broadband deployment costs, improve the utilisation of existing infrastructure, promote infrastructure sharing, and accelerate nationwide broadband connectivity. He assured stakeholders that their contributions would be reflected in the final report to ensure the framework is practical and commercially viable.
Delivering the keynote address, the Managing Director of Dimension Data Limited, Mr. Olugbenga Olabiyi, described passive infrastructure—including ducts, conduits, and manholes—as one of the most capital-intensive components of broadband deployment worldwide.
He said Nigeria’s Dig Once Policy presents a significant opportunity to coordinate infrastructure deployment, lower costs, and expand broadband access in line with the National Broadband Plan 2020–2025.
Olabiyi, however, cautioned that the policy’s success would depend on fair, transparent, and predictable access conditions, warning that excessive pricing or discriminatory practices could undermine its objectives.
He stressed that a transparent and objective pricing methodology would boost investor confidence and encourage greater participation by infrastructure companies, mobile network operators, internet service providers, and fibre operators.
Participants at the forum reviewed the proposed pricing methodology, cost components, and implementation roadmap, with discussions focusing on balancing commercial sustainability for infrastructure owners with affordability for access seekers and end-users.
The Abuja meeting followed earlier stakeholder engagements and forms part of the NCC’s broader efforts to promote infrastructure sharing, expand broadband penetration, and advance Nigeria’s digital economy agenda.
