NCC pushes Dig Once Policy, engages Stakeholders on Cost-Based Framework for Duct Sharing
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its
commitment to promoting efficient broadband infrastructure deployment in
Nigeria through collaborative implementation of the Dig Once Policy.
The Commission gave the assurance at the Second Stakeholders’
Consultative Forum to Develop a Pricing Mechanism and Cost-Based Structure for
Sharing Ducts Built Under the Dig Once Policy in Nigeria, held at the NCC Annex
Office, Mbora, Abuja.
The forum brought together representatives of federal and state
government institutions, telecommunications operators, infrastructure
companies, industry associations, development partners and other key
stakeholders to deliberate on the interim findings of the study and provide
input towards the development of a transparent, equitable and cost-based
framework for sharing underground duct infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, NCC’s Director, Policy, Competition and
Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, said the consultative engagement underscored
the Commission’s commitment to an open, transparent and inclusive regulatory
process that accommodates the interests of infrastructure providers, network
operators, public institutions and consumers.
Shuaibu noted that the proposed framework is intended to
encourage infrastructure sharing, improve asset utilisation, reduce the cost of
broadband deployment and facilitate the expansion of telecommunications
infrastructure across the country.
According to him, the study is designed to establish a fair and
transparent pricing mechanism for sharing underground ducts deployed under
Nigeria’s Dig Once Policy, which encourages the installation of
telecommunications ducts during road construction and rehabilitation projects.
He explained that this would enable future fibre deployments without repeated
road excavations.
“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.
“We encourage frank, constructive and solution-oriented
contributions that will strengthen the final outcomes of this study,” Shuaibu
said.
He added that observations, recommendations and contributions
received from stakeholders during the consultation would be reviewed and
incorporated into the final study report to ensure that the resulting framework
is practical, commercially sustainable and responsive to industry realities.
Delivering the keynote presentation, the consultant, Olugbenga
Olabiyi, Managing Director of Dimension Data Limited, observed that passive
infrastructure, including ducts, conduits, manholes and related facilities,
constitutes one of the most capital-intensive components of broadband network
deployment globally.
He said infrastructure sharing had emerged as an effective
strategy for reducing deployment costs, improving efficiency and accelerating
broadband expansion. Olabiyi stated that Nigeria’s adoption of the Dig Once
Policy presents an important opportunity to strengthen coordinated
infrastructure deployment, minimise avoidable road excavations, improve
utilisation of existing infrastructure and support broader broadband access
across the country.
He also emphasised the importance of developing a predictable,
transparent and equitable access framework, noting that inconsistent pricing
models and unclear access conditions could undermine investment incentives and
limit the benefits of infrastructure sharing.
“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.
“However, infrastructure sharing succeeds only when access is
governed by fairness, transparency, predictability and effective market
oversight.
“Without an equitable access framework, owners of shared infrastructure
may inadvertently or deliberately create barriers to entry through excessive
pricing, restrictive commercial conditions or discriminatory access practices.
Such outcomes would undermine the objectives of the Dig Once initiative and
discourage investment rather than promote it.
“This is why the NCC’s initiative to develop a cost-based
pricing framework deserves commendation. A transparent and objective pricing
methodology will provide confidence to investors, infrastructure companies,
mobile network operators, Internet Service Providers, fibre operators and all
participants within the communications ecosystem,” he said.
Participants at the forum reviewed the interim findings and
provided recommendations on the proposed pricing methodology, implementation
considerations and cost elements. Discussions focused on ensuring that the
policy supports efficient infrastructure deployment while balancing the
interests of infrastructure providers, access seekers and consumers.
The stakeholder consultation builds on earlier engagements
conducted by the Commission on the study. It also aligns with the NCC’s
commitment to implementing regulatory initiatives that promote broadband
expansion, encourage infrastructure sharing and advance Nigeria’s digital
transformation agenda.
Credit NCC PR
