Nigeria Takes Action to Protect Fiber Optic Cables
Nigeria has taken a proactive step to safeguard its telecommunications infrastructure with the establishment of a Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fiber Optic Cables. This collaborative effort, led by the Federal Ministry of Works (FMoW) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE), aims to address the persistent issue of fiber cuts that have been disrupting telecom services across the nation.
The frequent damage to fiber optic cables, often caused by road construction and maintenance activities, has led to significant service disruptions, impacting millions of telecom users. In 2024 alone, Nigeria experienced over 50,000 fiber cuts, with approximately 30,000 of these incidents attributed to road construction projects. These disruptions have resulted in major network outages, such as the nationwide MTN outage in February 2024, which left subscribers disconnected for several hours.
The newly formed committee, inaugurated on February 18, 2025, comprises representatives from the FMoW, FMoCIDE, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Its primary objective is to serve as a coordinating body to develop strategies for minimizing cable damage and establishing effective communication channels between telecom operators and construction companies.
Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Works, highlighted the committee’s role in creating standardized engagement procedures to protect fiber optic infrastructure throughout the lifecycle of road construction projects. This includes ensuring that telecom firms and road contractors maintain instant communication, integrating fiber placement into road design and construction plans, and collaborating with Federal Controllers of Works to safeguard fiber infrastructure nationwide.
Engr. Farouk Yusuf, Permanent Secretary at FMoCIDE, emphasized the critical importance of fiber optics in Nigeria’s digital economy. Reliable fiber networks are essential for supporting both fixed and mobile broadband services, enabling seamless connectivity, driving economic growth, and fostering technological innovation.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, stressed that reducing fiber cuts will not only improve service quality and reduce maintenance costs but also expedite broadband expansion. He noted that the lack of an effective coordination mechanism between road contractors and telecom companies has been a significant factor contributing to the rising number of fiber cuts.
“Every time a fiber cut occurs, Nigerian consumers experience service disruptions. Telecom operators are forced to invest heavily in redundant routes and repair efforts. By preventing these avoidable incidents, companies can redirect funds towards expanding network infrastructure,” Dr. Maida stated.
The establishment of the Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fiber Optic Cables signals Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring the resilience and reliability of its telecommunications infrastructure. By fostering collaboration between key stakeholders and implementing proactive measures, the country aims to mitigate the impact of fiber cuts and enhance the overall quality of telecom services for its citizens.
