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Fiber Cuts Prevention: Is This the End of Service Disruptions?
By Zekeri Idakwo Laruba
Recently, a rapidly developing neighborhood in Abuja was plunged into near-total darkness for over a week due to erratic electricity supply from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). The prolonged outage caused significant inconvenience, damaged electronic appliances, and disrupted businesses that rely on stable power.
Across Nigeria, many communities face similar challenges, with vandalism, road construction, and infrastructure deficiencies contributing to unreliable electricity supply. Unfortunately, the telecom industry is not exempt from such disruptions. However, there seems to be a glimmer of hope for telecom service users.
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has long suffered from the damaging effects of frequent fibre optic cuts, mainly caused by road construction and rehabilitation activities. These disruptions not only affect network providers but also impact businesses, financial institutions, and millions of everyday users who rely on seamless digital connectivity.
In response to this growing challenge, 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 Fibre Optic Cables. This strategic move aims to minimise damage to critical telecom infrastructure and ensure better coordination between construction activities and the protection of fibre networks.
Fibre optic networks form the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy. They provide high-speed internet, support mobile broadband services, and facilitate digital transactions that drive various sectors, from finance to e-commerce and education. However, the increasing number of fibre cuts, many of which are linked to road construction, has led to significant service disruptions.
According to report, in 2023 alone, there were over 50,000 fibre cuts across Nigeria, with nearly 30,000 attributed to road construction activities. These incidents have resulted in network outages, higher operational costs for telecom operators, and economic losses for businesses and consumers. A stark example was the February 2024 nationwide MTN outage, which left millions disconnected and disrupted essential services.
The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, highlighted the importance of the Committee’s mandate, stating: “This is a pivotal moment for the telecommunication industry and its customers. Fiber networks are the foundation of Nigeria’s broadband ecosystem, providing the essential high-capacity backhaul required to deliver ultra-fast 4G and 5G speeds, as these next-generation mobile technologies rely on fiber infrastructure to ensure low latency, high reliability, and seamless data transmission.”
At the heart of the problem is the lack of coordination between construction companies and telecom operators. Until now, road projects have often proceeded without adequate consideration for pre-existing fibre networks, leading to repeated infrastructure damage and costly repairs.
The Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fibre Optic Cables is expected to be a game-changer. Inaugurated by Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi (Permanent Secretary, FMoW) and Engr. Farouk Yusuf (Permanent Secretary, FMoCIDE), with support from Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the committee’s mandate is clear: to establish better coordination mechanisms, develop preventive measures, and ensure fibre infrastructure protection becomes a priority in road projects.
The committee will work on several fronts, including:
Ensuring communication between ministries, NCC, and telecom operators to minimize fibre damage during road construction.
Introducing preventive measures such as embedding ducts for fibre cables in new road designs.
Regular meetings and reporting mechanisms to track progress and address challenges as they arise.
Developing an instant response system for quicker repairs and minimized service disruptions.
Engaging with Federal Controllers of Works (FCW) to ensure better enforcement of fibre protection policies on project sites.
For telecom consumers, this initiative promises more reliable network services, fewer service disruptions, and better internet connectivity. Businesses, banks, and digital service providers will benefit from reduced downtime and increased operational efficiency, allowing for smoother transactions and improved customer experiences.
For telecom operators, fewer fibre cuts mean lower repair costs and more resources to invest in network expansion and service improvements. The broader economy stands to gain as well, as a more stable digital infrastructure attracts investors, boosts economic activities, and enhances Nigeria’s global competitiveness in the digital economy.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward a fully digital and connected economy, the Joint Committee on Fibre Optic Protection represents a crucial step toward ensuring that progress in infrastructure development does not come at the expense of essential digital connectivity. While challenges remain, the initiative lays the groundwork for a more coordinated and resilient telecommunications sector—one that can support the country’s growing digital ambitions.
Zekeri Idakwo Laruba is the Assistant Editor with PRNigeria and Economic confidential. He can be reached via [email protected]
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