The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to developing a fair, transparent and sustainable pricing framework for shared fibre infrastructure under Nigeria’s Dig-Once policy to accelerate broadband expansion across the country.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja on the development of a cost-based pricing mechanism for shared ducts, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, said the initiative would help reduce broadband deployment costs, eliminate repeated road excavations and promote efficient use of national infrastructure.
He noted that the consultation was designed to bring together government agencies, investors, infrastructure providers and other stakeholders to develop a pricing model that balances commercial interests with public benefit.
According to him, digital infrastructure remains critical to innovation, digital inclusion, economic growth and national competitiveness, adding that expanding fibre networks would connect more communities, create jobs and unlock economic opportunities.
He urged stakeholders to provide practical recommendations that would strengthen investor confidence while protecting public interest.
Gagare also commended the NCC for spearheading the initiative and pledged the ministry’s support in translating the study’s recommendations into policies that would advance Nigeria’s digital transformation and broadband agenda.
Earlier, the Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis at the NCC, Ayuba Shuaibu, said the success of the Dig-Once policy depends on establishing a transparent and economically sound pricing model for access to shared duct infrastructure.
He explained that the initiative is aimed at reducing the cost and complexity of broadband deployment through coordinated civil works and infrastructure sharing, stressing that a clearly defined pricing mechanism is essential to ensure fairness, efficiency and sustainable investment.
Also speaking, Managing Director of Dimension Data Ltd, Olugbenga Olabiyi, represented by Akpevwe Egbelughe, said broadband expansion in Nigeria continues to face significant structural and financial challenges.
He identified the high cost of civil engineering works—including ducts, conduits, manholes and poles—as the largest component of fibre deployment expenditure, noting that infrastructure sharing has become a globally recognised strategy for reducing costs, improving efficiency, attracting investment and accelerating broadband rollout.