The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Wednesday in Abuja announced it is seeking a fair, sustainable, and transparent pricing framework for fibre infrastructure sharing under Nigeria’s Dig-Once policy.
This was communicated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, at a Stakeholders’ Forum on Developing a Pricing Mechanism and Cost-Based Structure for Sharing Ducts under the Dig-Once Policy.
The NCC organized the forum.
Gagare emphasized that the engagement was vital to ensure the policy’s success in accelerating broadband infrastructure deployment and promoting efficient use of national resources.
He stated that the forum would allow government officials, investors, infrastructure providers, and other stakeholders to collaboratively develop a pricing model that balances commercial interests with the public good.
“The Dig-Once policy remains one of the government’s strategic initiatives for fast-tracking fibre infrastructure development. It aims to reduce broadband expansion costs, prevent unnecessary road excavations, and promote efficient resource use. Its full potential can only be realized with a transparent, commercially viable, equitable pricing framework that encourages infrastructure sharing,” he said.
Gagare highlighted that digital infrastructure is central to the current administration’s agenda, serving as the foundation for innovation, digital inclusion, economic diversification, and national competitiveness.
He added that every kilometre of fibre deployed would help connect communities, empower businesses, create jobs, and expand economic opportunities for Nigerians.
The permanent secretary urged stakeholders to actively participate in consultations by offering practical recommendations that would boost investor confidence while safeguarding public interests.
He praised the NCC and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with the commission and stakeholders to turn study recommendations into policies and strategies that will drive Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Gagare expressed optimism that the discussions would yield outcomes that strengthen fibre infrastructure development and support the country’s broadband expansion goals.
Earlier, Mr. Ayuba Shuaibu, Director of Policy, Competition, and Economic Analysis at NCC, said that successful implementation depends on establishing a transparent and economically sound approach to pricing and access for shared duct infrastructure.
Shuaibu explained that the Dig-Once initiative aims to reduce network deployment costs and complexity by encouraging coordinated civil works and shared use of underground ducts.
He noted that without a well-defined pricing mechanism, achieving efficiency, fairness, and investment protection may be challenging.
“This study seeks to provide a structured, cost-based framework that ensures equitable access and supports sustainable infrastructure development across the sector. Your feedback will help refine this framework, making it practical and aligned with Nigeria’s telecom landscape,” he said.
Mr. Olugbenga Olabiyi, Managing Director of Dimention Data Ltd., noted that despite Nigeria’s progress in telecommunications, broadband deployment still faces significant structural and economic challenges.
Represented by Akpevwe Egbelughe, Lead Solutions Architect at Dimention Data, Olabiyi highlighted that the high cost of civil engineering works—such as constructing ducts, conduits, manholes, and poles—is a major barrier.
He pointed out that passive infrastructure remains the most expensive and least replicable part of broadband deployment worldwide.
He concluded that policymakers and regulators are increasingly promoting infrastructure sharing to reduce costs, improve efficiency, encourage investment, and accelerate broadband expansion.
