Nigeria has made a significant move to safeguard its telecommunications infrastructure by establishing a Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fiber Optic Cables. This initiative, led by the Federal Ministry of Works (FMoW) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE), seeks to address the widespread issue of fiber cuts that have disrupted telecom services across the country.
The frequent damage to fiber optic cables, often caused by road construction and maintenance activities, has resulted in significant service interruptions, impacting millions of telecom users. In 2024 alone, Nigeria recorded over 50,000 fiber cuts, with approximately 30,000 of these incidents linked to road construction projects. These disruptions contribute to 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, includes representatives from both ministries and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). It will act as a coordinating body to devise strategies aimed at reducing cable damage and creating clear communication channels between telecom operators and construction firms.
Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Works, emphasized that the committee’s primary responsibility is to develop standardized engagement procedures to protect fiber optic infrastructure before, during, and after road construction projects. This involves establishing instant communication mechanisms between telecom firms and road contractors, ensuring fiber placement is incorporated into road design and construction plans, and working closely with Federal Controllers of Works to safeguard fiber infrastructure across the country.
Engr. Farouk Yusuf, Permanent Secretary at FMoCIDE, underscored the vital role of fiber optics in Nigeria’s digital economy. Reliable fiber networks form the backbone of both fixed and mobile broadband services, facilitating seamless connectivity, economic growth, and technological innovation.
NCC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized that reducing fiber cuts will enhance service quality, reduce maintenance costs, and accelerate broadband expansion. He pointed out that the absence of an effective coordination mechanism between road contractors and telecom companies has been a significant contributor to the increasing number of fiber cuts.
“Every time a fiber cut happens, Nigerians face service disruptions. Operators are compelled to invest heavily in redundant routes and repair efforts. If we can prevent these avoidable incidents, telecom companies will be able to redirect funds toward expanding network infrastructure
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