Abayomi Susan
Commission engages telecom operators, government agencies and stakeholders to develop transparent cost-based pricing model for broadband infrastructure access
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has intensified efforts to enhance broadband infrastructure deployment in Nigeria through the effective implementation of the Dig Once Policy, with a renewed focus on creating a transparent and sustainable framework for sharing underground duct infrastructure.
The Commission gave the assurance during 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 in Nigeria, held at the NCC Annex Office, Mbora, Abuja.
The high-level engagement brought together representatives from federal and state government institutions, telecommunications operators, infrastructure companies, industry associations, development partners and other critical stakeholders to deliberate on the interim findings of the ongoing study and provide recommendations towards establishing a fair and efficient duct-sharing framework.
Speaking at the forum, NCC’s Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Mr Ayuba Shuaibu, said the consultation reflected the Commission’s commitment to ensuring an open, inclusive and transparent regulatory process that accommodates the interests of infrastructure providers, network operators, government institutions and consumers.
Shuaibu explained that the proposed framework would encourage infrastructure sharing, maximise the utilisation of existing assets, reduce the cost of broadband deployment and accelerate the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure nationwide.
He noted that the study aims to develop a fair pricing model for access to underground ducts constructed under the Dig Once Policy, an initiative designed to ensure that telecommunications infrastructure is installed alongside road construction and rehabilitation projects, thereby reducing the need for repeated road excavation during future fibre network expansion.
“The Commission remains committed to a transparent, inclusive and consultative process. Our objective is to establish a pricing structure that balances the interests of infrastructure providers, access seekers and consumers, while encouraging continued investment in broadband infrastructure,” Shuaibu said.
He added that feedback, recommendations and contributions from stakeholders would be carefully assessed and incorporated into the final study report to ensure that the resulting framework is practical, commercially viable and aligned with industry realities.
Delivering the keynote presentation, the consultant and Managing Director of Dimension Data Limited, Mr Olugbenga Olabiyi, highlighted the importance of passive infrastructure, including ducts, conduits and manholes, in the deployment of broadband networks.
According to him, infrastructure sharing has become a globally recognised strategy for reducing deployment costs, improving efficiency and accelerating broadband penetration.
Olabiyi stated that Nigeria’s adoption of the Dig Once Policy provides a significant opportunity to promote coordinated infrastructure development, minimise unnecessary road disruptions, improve asset utilisation and expand access to broadband services across the country.
He stressed the need for a predictable, transparent and equitable access framework, warning that unclear pricing structures and restrictive access conditions could discourage investment 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 the telecommunications sector,” he said.
He added that effective infrastructure sharing can only succeed where access is guided by fairness, transparency, predictability and proper regulatory oversight.
Participants at the forum reviewed the interim findings of the study and provided inputs on the proposed pricing methodology, implementation strategies and cost considerations.
The discussions focused on developing a framework that promotes efficient infrastructure deployment while ensuring a balance between the interests of infrastructure owners, service providers and end users.
The consultation represents another step in the NCC’s continued efforts to advance broadband expansion, promote infrastructure sharing and support Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to implementing policies that encourage investment, improve connectivity and strengthen the nation’s telecommunications ecosystem.
Signed:
Nnenna Ukoha
Director, Public Affairs
July 8, 2026
