NCC advances 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, on Wednesday.

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, Mr 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, Mr 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.