NCC Advances Dig Once Policy With Stakeholder Consultations On Duct Sharing Framework
Rashidat O. Okunlade Writes, Lagos
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.
NCC Commits to Transparent, Inclusive Regulatory Process
Speaking at the event, NCC’s Director of 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,” Shuaibu said.
“We encourage frank, constructive and solution-oriented contributions that will strengthen the final outcomes of this study.”
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.
Consultant Highlights Importance of Equitable Access Framework
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,” Olabiyi said.
“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.”
He commended the NCC’s initiative to develop a cost-based pricing framework, stating that “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.”
Stakeholders Review Interim Findings, Provide Recommendations
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.
Why This Matters: Analysis of the Dig Once Policy Framework
The NCC’s ongoing efforts to develop a cost-based pricing framework for duct sharing represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s broadband infrastructure development, with far-reaching implications for connectivity, cost reduction, and digital inclusion.
The Dig Once Policy Explained
The Dig Once Policy is an infrastructure coordination strategy that mandates the installation of telecommunications ducts during road construction and rehabilitation projects. This approach prevents the recurrent digging up of newly constructed roads for fibre optic cable deployment—a practice that has plagued Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape for decades.
The policy aims to:
Reduce the cost of broadband infrastructure deployment
Minimise disruption to road networks and communities
Improve asset utilisation across the telecommunications sector
Accelerate the expansion of high-speed internet access nationwide
Why a Pricing Framework Is Critical
Addressing Capital-Intensive Infrastructure Challenges
Passive infrastructure, including ducts, conduits, manholes, and related facilities—constitutes one of the most capital-intensive components of broadband network deployment globally. Without a clear pricing framework, infrastructure owners face uncertainty about returns on investment, while access seekers struggle with unpredictable costs. This inhibits investment and slows broadband expansion.
Preventing Barriers to Entry
Without equitable access frameworks, infrastructure owners could create barriers to entry through excessive pricing, restrictive commercial conditions, or discriminatory access practices. Such outcomes would undermine the Dig Once Policy objectives and discourage investment rather than promote it.
Supporting National Broadband Targets
Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan prioritises expanding access to affordable, high-speed internet across the country. Successful implementation of the Dig Once Policy, backed by a transparent pricing framework, could become one of the most impactful infrastructure reforms in Nigeria’s telecommunications history.
Balancing Stakeholder Interests
The framework must balance multiple interests:
Infrastructure providers: Need adequate returns on investment
Network operators: Require affordable, predictable access
Consumers: Deserve lower service costs and expanded coverage
Government: Seeks efficient infrastructure utilisation and economic development
Key Considerations for the Final Framework
Element Importance
Transparent Pricing Methodology Ensures predictability and fairness for all parties
Cost-Based Structure Prevents excessive pricing while ensuring sustainability
Implementation Guidelines Clear operational procedures for sharing arrangements
Market Oversight Mechanisms Prevents anti-competitive practices
Dispute Resolution Framework Provides recourse for access disputes
Implications for Nigeria’s Digital Future
A well-implemented pricing framework for duct sharing under the Dig Once Policy could deliver significant benefits:
For Consumers:
Lower broadband costs through reduced deployment expenses
Expanded coverage as infrastructure becomes more affordable to deploy
Improved service quality through increased competition
For Operators and Investors:
Reduced capital expenditure on infrastructure deployment
Accelerated rollout timelines
More predictable investment environment
For Government:
Efficient utilisation of public infrastructure investments
Reduced road deterioration from repeated excavations
Accelerated achievement of digital inclusion targets
Enhanced economic competitiveness through improved connectivity
About the Nigerian Communications Commission
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is the independent regulatory authority for the telecommunications industry in Nigeria. The Commission is responsible for creating an enabling environment for competition among operators, ensuring the provision of qualitative and efficient telecommunications services, and promoting universal access to communications services across the country.
