The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has intensified efforts to transform broadband infrastructure deployment across the country with a new initiative aimed at eliminating repeated road excavations, reducing network rollout costs and accelerating digital connectivity through the effective implementation of the Dig Once Policy.
As part of the initiative, the Commission is developing a transparent, equitable and cost-based framework for sharing underground telecommunications ducts, a move expected to encourage infrastructure sharing, attract fresh investments and deepen broadband penetration nationwide.
The initiative was the focus of the Second Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on the Development of a Pricing Mechanism and Cost-Based Structure for Sharing Ducts Built Under the Dig Once Policy, held at the NCC Annex Office in Mbora, Abuja.
The forum brought together representatives of federal and state government agencies, telecommunications operators, infrastructure companies, development partners, industry associations and other stakeholders to review interim findings of the study and contribute to the development of a commercially sustainable framework for sharing underground telecommunications infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, the NCC’s Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, said the consultation underscores the Commission’s commitment to an open, transparent and inclusive regulatory process that accommodates the interests of infrastructure providers, network operators, government institutions and consumers.
He explained that the proposed pricing framework is intended to maximise the use of existing telecommunications assets, promote infrastructure sharing, lower broadband deployment costs and accelerate the expansion of digital infrastructure across Nigeria.
According to Shuaibu, the study seeks to establish a fair and transparent pricing mechanism for sharing underground ducts installed under the Dig Once Policy, which requires telecommunications ducts to be laid during road construction and rehabilitation projects to eliminate repeated excavations whenever fibre optic cables are deployed.
“The Commission remains committed to a transparent, inclusive and consultative process. Our objective is to arrive at a pricing structure that balances the interests of infrastructure providers, access seekers and, ultimately, consumers, while also encouraging continued investment in broadband infrastructure,” he said.
He added that recommendations from stakeholders would be incorporated into the final report to ensure the framework remains practical, commercially viable and aligned with industry realities.
Delivering the keynote presentation, Managing Director of Dimension Data Limited, Olugbenga Olabiyi, described passive infrastructure—including ducts, conduits and manholes—as one of the most capital-intensive components of broadband deployment globally.
He noted that infrastructure sharing has become an internationally recognised strategy for reducing deployment costs, improving operational efficiency and accelerating broadband expansion.
Olabiyi said Nigeria’s Dig Once Policy presents a unique opportunity to coordinate infrastructure deployment more effectively, minimise unnecessary road excavations, optimise the utilisation of existing facilities and expand broadband access across the country.
He stressed the importance of establishing a transparent and predictable access framework, warning that inconsistent pricing models and unclear access conditions could discourage investment and undermine the objectives of the policy.
“For Nigeria, where broadband expansion remains a national priority under the National Broadband Plan, successful implementation of the Dig Once Policy could become one of the most impactful infrastructure reforms in our telecommunications history,” he said.
He added that infrastructure sharing can only achieve its intended goals where access arrangements are governed by fairness, transparency, predictability and effective regulatory oversight.
Participants at the consultative forum reviewed the interim findings of the study and made recommendations on the proposed pricing methodology, implementation strategies and cost components, with discussions centred on balancing the interests of infrastructure owners, access seekers and consumers while ensuring efficient broadband deployment.
The stakeholder engagement builds on previous consultations and forms part of the Commission’s broader regulatory agenda to expand broadband access, encourage infrastructure sharing and drive Nigeria’s digital transformation.
In a statement, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, said the consultative process reflects the Commission’s commitment to implementing forward-looking policies that will accelerate broadband penetration, strengthen digital connectivity and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the digital economy.