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
