In a decisive move to protect Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure, the Federal Ministry of Works (FMoW) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE) have inaugurated a Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fiber Optic Cables. This initiative aims to address the frequent damage to fiber networks caused by road construction and rehabilitation, which has severely impacted connectivity nationwide.
The committee was officially launched on Tuesday, February 18, at the FMoW Boardroom by Permanent Secretaries Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi (FMoW) and Engr. Farouk Yusuf (FMoCIDE), alongside the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida. Key personnel from both ministries and the NCC will collaborate on strategies to prevent fiber cuts and establish a robust coordination mechanism between government agencies and telecom operators.
Engr. Adebiyi emphasized that the committee will implement proactive measures to mitigate damage to fiber infrastructure during road projects while also addressing vandalism, which has led to widespread service disruptions. The committee will meet regularly to review challenges, set industry-wide standards, and provide monthly performance reports.
“We will ensure that fiber optic placement is integrated into the planning, design, and execution of road projects. Provision for cable ducts will be considered to minimize disruptions,” Adebiyi assured.
Engr. Yusuf reinforced the importance of fiber optics as the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, facilitating broadband access, economic growth, and technological advancement. He stressed that effective coordination between construction companies and telecom operators is critical to maintaining seamless connectivity.
Dr. Maida revealed that in 2024 alone, over 50,000 fiber cuts were recorded nationwide, with 30,000 attributed to road construction. He cited the February 2024 MTN nationwide outage as a direct consequence of such disruptions.
“A lack of coordination between road construction firms and fiber operators has led to costly and avoidable damages. This committee’s work will help prevent network outages, reduce unnecessary repair costs, and allow telecom operators to invest in network expansion rather than emergency fixes,” Maida stated.
The initiative marks a significant step in safeguarding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, ensuring reliable telecommunications services for businesses and consumers alike.
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