NCC Moves to Establish Cost-Based Framework for Duct Sharing to Boost Broadband Expansion

By  Mu'azu Hassan 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating broadband infrastructure deployment in Nigeria through the effective implementation of the Dig Once Policy, aimed at reducing the cost of network expansion and eliminating repeated road excavations.

The commitment was made 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, held at the Commission's Annex Office in Mbora, Abuja.

The forum brought together representatives from federal and state government agencies, telecommunications operators, infrastructure companies, industry associations, development partners and other key stakeholders to review interim findings of an ongoing study and provide input toward developing a transparent and equitable pricing 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 reflects the Commission's commitment to an open, transparent and inclusive regulatory process that considers the interests of infrastructure providers, network operators, public institutions and consumers.

He explained that the proposed framework is designed to encourage infrastructure sharing, improve the utilisation of existing assets, lower broadband deployment costs and accelerate the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure across the country.

According to Shuaibu, the study seeks to establish a fair and transparent pricing mechanism for sharing underground ducts installed under Nigeria's Dig Once Policy, which requires telecommunications ducts to be laid during road construction and rehabilitation projects to facilitate future fibre-optic deployment without further road excavation.

"The Commission remains committed to a transparent, inclusive and consultative process. Our objective is to develop a pricing structure that balances the interests of infrastructure providers, access seekers and consumers while encouraging continued investment in broadband infrastructure," he said.

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Shuaibu added that observations and recommendations received from stakeholders would be incorporated into the final report to ensure the framework is practical, commercially sustainable and aligned with industry realities.

In his keynote presentation, the Managing Director of Dimension Data Limited, Mr. Olugbenga Olabiyi, described passive infrastructure such as ducts, conduits and manholes as one of the most capital-intensive aspects of broadband network deployment.

He noted that infrastructure sharing has become a globally recognised strategy for reducing deployment costs, improving efficiency and accelerating broadband expansion.

Olabiyi said Nigeria's adoption of the Dig Once Policy presents an opportunity to strengthen coordinated infrastructure development, minimise unnecessary road excavations and improve access to broadband services nationwide.

He stressed that the success of the policy depends on a predictable, transparent and equitable access framework, warning that inconsistent pricing models and discriminatory access conditions could discourage investment and undermine the objectives of infrastructure sharing.

According to him, successful implementation of the Dig Once Policy could become one of the most significant telecommunications infrastructure reforms in Nigeria, particularly in support of the National Broadband Plan.

Participants at the consultative forum reviewed the interim findings of the study and made recommendations on the proposed pricing methodology, implementation strategy and key cost elements. Discussions centred on ensuring that the framework supports efficient infrastructure deployment while protecting the interests of infrastructure owners, service providers and consumers.

The consultation is part of the NCC's ongoing efforts to develop regulatory policies that promote broadband expansion, encourage infrastructure sharing and advance Nigeria's digital transformation agenda.