Industry Leaders Rally for National Dig-Once Policy to Boost Nigeria's Digital Infrastructure
Key stakeholders from Nigeria's digital economy, telecommunications, and infrastructure sectors are preparing to gather at the National Dig-Once Policy Forum, advocating for a strategic shift to expand the nation's digital backbone network to 125,000 kilometers of fibre-optic infrastructure. This initiative is critical for advancing Nigeria's connectivity and economic development.
High-Level Dialogue to Accelerate Policy Formulation
The event, marking the 8th edition of the Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo), serves as a high-level industry dialogue focused on expediting the creation and adoption of a National Dig-Once Policy. This policy is envisioned as a vital enabler for safe, coordinated, and cost-effective fibre infrastructure deployment across the country, addressing long-standing challenges in the sector.
Forum Details and Strategic Theme
Scheduled for April 16, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, the forum is themed "Accelerating Nigeria's Digital Backbone: Dig Once Policy, Project BRIDGE and Strategies for Effective Fibre Deployment." Organised by Business Metrics Limited (BML), the gathering aims to align efforts with the Federal Government's $2 billion Project BRIDGE initiative, which targets expanding fibre infrastructure from 35,000km to 125,000km by 2030.
According to BML, this ambitious expansion requires new measures to ensure successful implementation and avoid past mistakes. Industry experts emphasize that the rollout of a national connectivity backbone heavily depends on institutionalising a Dig Once Policy framework. This approach promotes installing fibre ducts and conduits during the construction or rehabilitation of roads, railways, and other major public infrastructure, thereby reducing costs and disruptions.
Challenges and Opportunities in Connectivity
Omobayo Azeez, Team Lead at Business Metrics Limited, highlighted that Nigeria is missing out on the full benefits of up to eight high-capacity undersea cable networks landed on its shores due to difficulties in expanding terrestrial fibre infrastructure. He stressed that a coordinated policy is essential to unlock the country's digital potential and drive economic growth.
The forum is expected to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and technology experts to discuss practical strategies for implementing the Dig Once Policy, ensuring that Nigeria can meet its digital infrastructure goals and enhance global competitiveness.
