The Nigerian Communications Commission has intensified efforts to eliminate the repeated excavation of roads for fibre-optic cable installation by advancing a cost-based pricing framework for sharing underground telecommunications ducts under the Federal Government’s Dig Once Policy.
The initiative was unveiled during the Second Stakeholders’ Forum on the Consultancy Study for the Development of a Pricing Mechanism and Cost-Based Structure for Sharing Ducts in Abuja. The framework is designed to encourage infrastructure sharing, lower broadband deployment costs and accelerate the rollout of high-speed internet services across Nigeria.
Speaking at the forum, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, described the Dig Once Policy as a strategic intervention aimed at expanding fibre infrastructure while preventing unnecessary road excavation and promoting the efficient use of public resources.
He noted that a transparent, equitable and commercially viable pricing model is essential to achieving the policy’s objectives and boosting investor confidence.
Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis at the NCC, Ayuba Shuaibu, said the commission had engaged consultants to develop a sustainable pricing mechanism for shared ducts.
According to him, the initiative seeks to reduce the cost and complexity of network deployment by encouraging coordinated civil works and the shared use of underground infrastructure.
He added that stakeholder feedback would help refine the framework before its final adoption.
Industry stakeholders also welcomed the proposal, stressing that repeated road excavation remains one of the biggest barriers to broadband expansion. Managing Director of Dimension Data Nigeria, Olugbenga Olabiyi, said embedding telecommunications ducts during road construction would allow multiple operators to deploy fibre without repeatedly digging up roads.
He explained that the approach would reduce capital expenditure, minimise traffic disruption, protect public infrastructure and accelerate broadband penetration nationwide.
Stakeholders further called for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments to harmonise Right of Way administration and ensure the successful implementation of the Dig Once Policy.
