NCC holds second stakeholders’ forum on shared Duct Pricing under Nigeria’s Dig-Once Policy

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, brought together various stakeholders in the industry in Abuja on Wednesday to deliberate on the consultancy study to develop a pricing mechanism and cost-based structure for sharing ducts built under the Dig-Once policy in Nigeria.

The Second Stakeholders’ Forum aimed at presenting and validating findings from the consultancy study on a transparent, equitable and cost-based pricing framework for shared duct infrastructure under the Dig-Once Policy.

It was also for stakeholders’ review of the proposed pricing methodology, assumptions, and outputs of the study.

Speaking at the event, head of Competition and Tariff of the Commission, Mrs Omotayo Mohammed, noted that the Commission engaged Silicon Base Limited in 2023 to undertake the important study in recognition of a key gap in the evolving framework for the Dig-Once Policy.

She noted that while the policy itself is still in draft form, its successful implementation will depend heavily on the establishment of a clear, transparent, and economically sound approach to pricing and access for shared duct infrastructure.

DAILY POST reports that the Dig-Once initiative is fundamentally aimed at reducing the cost and complexity of network deployment by promoting coordinated civil works and the shared use of underground duct infrastructure.

Mrs Mohammed noted, however, that without a well-defined pricing mechanism, the objectives of efficiency, fairness and investment protection may not be fully realized.

“This study, therefore, seeks to provide a structured and cost-based framework that ensures equitable access while supporting sustainable infrastructure development across the sector,” she said.

She recalled that during the First Stakeholders Forum, valuable insights were received from industry participants, which have helped to shape the direction of this study.

“Following further technical work and internal reviews, we have now reached a critical stage where the Consultant will present the findings of the study, along with a proposed cost-based pricing methodology for shared duct access,” she said.

She said that the engagement on Wednesday was particularly important since it provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to interrogate the assumptions, models and outputs of the study.

“We expect that your feedback will help refine the proposed framework, ensuring that it is practical, implementable and reflective of the realities within the Nigerian telecommunications landscape.

“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 the consumers, while also encouraging continued investment in broadband infrastructure,” she stated.

The Second Stakeholders’ Forum is a key step toward developing a fair, transparent and sustainable pricing framework for shared telecommunications duct infrastructure in Nigeria. The process is aimed at supporting efficient broadband deployment, protecting investment, and ensuring equitable access under the Dig-Once Policy.

The Dig-Once initiative is designed to reduce the cost, duplication, and complexity of network deployment by encouraging coordinated civil works and shared infrastructure.

It seeks to ensure that when roads or public rights-of-way are opened for infrastructure works, telecoms infrastructure can be laid or accommodated in a coordinated manner, reducing repeated excavation and improving deployment efficiency.