A new pricing framework for sharing underground telecommunications ducts is being developed as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) intensifies efforts to accelerate broadband infrastructure deployment through the collaborative implementation of the Dig Once Policy.
The Commission stated this at the Second Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Developing a Pricing Mechanism and Cost-Based Structure for Sharing Ducts Built Under the Dig Once Policy in Nigeria, held on Wednesday at the NCC Annex Office, Mbora, Abuja.
The forum convened representatives from federal and state government institutions, telecommunications operators, infrastructure companies, industry associations, development partners, and other key stakeholders.
Participants reviewed interim findings of the ongoing study and contributed input toward the formulation of a transparent, equitable, and cost-based framework for sharing underground duct infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, the NCC’s Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Mr. Ayuba Shuaibu, said the engagement reflected the Commission’s commitment to an open, transparent and inclusive regulatory process.
According to him, the process is designed to accommodate the interests of infrastructure providers, network operators, public institutions and consumers, while ensuring that the Dig Once Policy delivers greater efficiency in broadband infrastructure deployment across the country.
The NCC reiterated that collaboration among stakeholders remains central to achieving a sustainable and cost-effective approach to infrastructure sharing, which is expected to reduce duplication of civil works and support the nationwide expansion of broadband access.
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 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.
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.
