*The Nigerian Communications Commission announces the proposed policy framework for implementation of the ‘Dig Once’ initiative is designed to encourage infrastructure sharing, improve asset utilisation, reduce the cost of Broadband deployment, and facilitate the expansion of telecoms infrastructure across the West African country
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
As part of efforts at deepening Broadband penetration, access and affordability in the telecoms ecosystem, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has restated its commitment to promoting efficient digital infrastructure through collaborative implementation of the “Dig Once” policy.
ConsumerConnect reports the NCC said this Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the 2nd Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum to Develop a Pricing Mechanism and Cost-Based Structure for Sharing Ducts Built Under the Dig Once Policy in Nigeria”, in Abuja, FCT.
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The telecoms sector regulatory Commission also explained the participants in the forum deliberated on the interim findings of the study, and offered inputs for the development of “a transparent, equitable and cost-based framework for sharing underground duct infrastructure”.
The Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum attracted representatives of the Federal and state government institutions, telecoms operators, infrastructure companies, industry associations, development partners and other key stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ayuba Shuaibu, Director, Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis at NCC, affirmed the consultative engagement underscored the Commission’s commitment to an open, transparent and inclusive regulatory process.
Shuaibu stated that such an approach accommodates the interests of infrastructure providers, network operators, public institutions and consumers in the country’s digital space.
Core objectives of ‘Dig Once’ policy framework
The Director, Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis equally explained the proposed policy 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.
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. Shuaibu as well noted that would enable future fibre deployments without repeated road excavations in Nigeria.
He further stated: “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.”
The Director disclosed that all observations, recommendations and contributions received from stakeholders at the forum 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.
On key components Broadband deployment
In his keynote presentation, Mr. Olugbenga Olabiyi, a consultant and Managing Director of Dimension Data Limited, observed that passive infrastructure, including ducts, conduits, manholes and related facilities, constitute one of the most capital-intensive components of Broadband network deployment globally.
Olabiyi said infrastructure sharing had emerged as an effective strategy for reducing deployment costs, improving efficiency, and accelerating Broadband expansion.
The expert said Nigeria’s adoption of the Dig Once Policy presented 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.
The Managing Director of Dimension Data Limited also stressed the importance of developing a predictable, transparent and equitable access framework.
According to him, inconsistent pricing models and unclear access conditions could undermine investment incentives, and limit the benefits of infrastructure sharing.
Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, in a recent statement Friday, also quoted Olabiyi to have said: “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.”
He stated: “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.”
The company executive added: “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.”
Review of interim findings and recommendations
The Commission said the participants in the Stakeholders’ Consultation Forum also reviewed the interim findings and provided recommendations on the proposed pricing methodology, implementation considerations and cost elements.
The NCC noted the 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, the statement noted.
The engagement aligns with the NCC’s commitment to implementing regulatory initiatives that promote broadband expansion, encourage infrastructure sharing and advance Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, stated Mrs. Ukoha.