Nigeria Establishes Joint Standing Committee to Safeguard Fiber Optic Cables
Nigeria has taken a significant step towards protecting its telecommunications infrastructure by establishing a Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fiber Optic Cables. This crucial initiative, led by the Federal Ministry of Works (FMoW) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE), aims to address the widespread issue of fiber cuts that have been disrupting telecom services across the country.
The frequent damage to fiber optic cables, often caused by road construction and maintenance activities, has resulted in severe service interruptions impacting millions of telecom users. In 2024 alone, Nigeria reported over 50,000 fiber cuts, with approximately 30,000 linked to road construction projects.
These incidents have led to significant network outages, such as the nationwide MTN outage in February 2024, which left subscribers disconnected for hours.
The newly inaugurated committee, formed on February 18, 2025, consists of representatives from both ministries and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Its primary objective is to act as a coordinating body to develop strategies for minimizing cable damage and establish clear communication protocols between telecom operators and construction firms.
Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Works, emphasized the committee’s role in developing standardized engagement procedures to ensure the protection of fiber optic infrastructure throughout all stages of road construction projects. This includes creating instant communication channels between telecom firms and road contractors, integrating fiber placement into road design and construction planning, and collaborating with Federal Controllers of Works to safeguard fiber infrastructure nationwide.
Furthermore, Engr. Farouk Yusuf, Permanent Secretary at FMoCIDE, underscored the crucial role of fiber optics in Nigeria’s digital economy. Reliable fiber networks serve as the backbone for both fixed and mobile broadband services, facilitating seamless connectivity, economic growth, and technological innovation.
Dr. Aminu Maida, CEO of the NCC, highlighted the benefits of reducing fiber cuts, including improved service quality, reduced maintenance costs, and accelerated broadband expansion. He acknowledged the lack of an efficient coordination mechanism between road contractors and telecom firms as a key factor contributing to the increasing number of fiber cuts.
Moving forward, the government has committed to incorporating fiber optic ducting into new road infrastructure projects to ensure the resilience of telecom networks. The committee will convene regularly to assess progress, address emerging challenges, and refine its strategy.
By taking proactive measures to protect fiber optic cables, Nigeria aims to enhance the reliability of its telecommunications infrastructure and pave the way for continued digital growth and innovation in the country.
