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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it is putting final touches to a wholesale pricing framework that will make its Infrastructure Company (Infraco) model fully effective, end duplication of networks, and open up fair access to backbone infrastructure for smaller telecom providers.
Speaking on the reforms, Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the framework is critical to Nigeria’s broadband growth as it will set transparent benchmarks for accessing existing fiber and related infrastructure across the country.
“Without a wholesale pricing system, infrastructure owners could impose arbitrary charges on new entrants, making it difficult for smaller providers to compete,” Maida said. “We want to encourage sharing, but sharing can only thrive when there is a fair pricing structure. Otherwise, the first operator in an area may turn infrastructure into a tool for exploitation.”
He explained that the Infraco policy is not about replicating what already exists but about ensuring that underserved areas benefit from connectivity. According to him, smaller providers who cannot afford to roll out networks across entire regions will be able to leverage existing infrastructure at affordable rates once the framework is in place.
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On the consumer side, Maida noted that the NCC has intensified its public awareness campaigns through radio, television, SMS, and social media to guide Nigerians on how to manage data usage and optimise their devices. Operators, he added, have also been directed to train customer care agents to educate subscribers beyond selling SIMs or data bundles.
“The results are clear,” the EVC said. “Complaints to our data service lines have dropped from about 42,000 a month last year to between 16,000 and 18,000 today. This shows that our consumer engagement is working, but we will continue to refine strategies every two weeks to improve further.”
Maida urged subscribers to remain active participants in the sector’s transformation by reporting poor service to their operators or directly to the NCC.
With the wholesale pricing framework and Tier 1 (T1) policy nearing completion, Maida expressed confidence that the reforms will boost broadband expansion, encourage competition, and ensure more efficient use of Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure.
