Nigeria has launched a Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fiber Optic Cables to safeguard its telecommunications infrastructure. This initiative, led by the Federal Ministry of Works (FMoW) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE), aims to address the growing problem of fiber cuts, which have caused widespread disruptions to telecom services across the country.
In 2024 alone, Nigeria recorded over 50,000 fiber cuts, with approximately 30,000 of these incidents linked to road construction projects. These disruptions have led to major network outages, including the nationwide MTN service disruption in February 2024, which left millions of users disconnected. The frequent damage to fiber optic cables has been a major challenge for telecom operators, forcing them to invest heavily in maintenance and redundant routes to mitigate the impact of service interruptions.
The newly formed committee, inaugurated on February 18, 2025, will serve as a coordinating body to reduce cable damage by fostering better communication between telecom operators and construction firms. One of its primary responsibilities is to establish standardized engagement procedures to protect fiber infrastructure before, during, and after road construction projects. The committee will work closely with Federal Controllers of Works to ensure fiber placement is considered in road design and construction plans, creating an effective framework for minimizing disruptions.
Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Works, emphasized the importance of developing instant communication mechanisms between telecom firms and road contractors. By ensuring that both parties are aligned, the government hopes to prevent unnecessary damage to critical infrastructure. Similarly, Engr. Farouk Yusuf, Permanent Secretary at FMoCIDE, highlighted the crucial role fiber optics play in Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting broadband expansion, economic growth, and technological advancement.
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Maida, stated that reducing fiber cuts will improve service quality, lower maintenance costs, and accelerate broadband deployment. He pointed out that the absence of an effective coordination mechanism between road contractors and telecom companies has significantly contributed to the increasing number of fiber cuts. Addressing this issue will allow telecom operators to redirect funds toward expanding network infrastructure rather than constantly repairing damaged cables.
This initiative marks a critical step toward securing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for millions of telecom users. By fostering collaboration between key stakeholders, the government aims to protect the nation’s fiber optic networks and support the continued growth of its telecommunications sector.
Read the full news here: Tech in Africa