The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has joined forces with the Federal Ministry of Works (FMoW) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE) to tackle the growing challenge of fiber optic cable damage caused by road construction and rehabilitation projects. A Joint Standing Committee on Fiber Optic Protection has been inaugurated to coordinate efforts and implement preventive measures that will safeguard critical telecom infrastructure.
The committee was officially launched on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the Ministry of Works headquarters. The event was presided over by Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, Permanent Secretary of FMoW, alongside Engr. Farouk Yusuf of FMoCIDE, and the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC)/CEO of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida.
NCC Raises Alarm Over Fiber Optic Cable Damage
At the inauguration, Dr. Aminu Maida highlighted the devastating impact of fiber cuts on Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, stating that these incidents have become a major threat to reliable broadband connectivity.
“In 2024 alone, over 50,000 cases of fiber optic cuts were recorded, with approximately 30,000 linked to road construction projects at both federal and state levels,” he said. “Such disruptions lead to service outages, increased operational costs, and delayed network expansion.”
He pointed to the February 2024 nationwide MTN network disruption, which was caused by multiple fiber cuts, as a clear example of the urgent need for better coordination between telecom operators and road construction firms.
Committee’s Role in Fiber Protection
The Joint Standing Committee is composed of representatives from the NCC, FMoW, and FMoCIDE, and is tasked with establishing effective communication channels between stakeholders to prevent fiber damage.
Dr. Maida emphasized that the lack of coordination between construction firms and telecom providers has been a key factor behind the frequent fiber cuts. He expressed optimism that the committee’s work would provide a structured approach to fiber protection, reducing network downtimes and minimizing unnecessary repair expenses.
“This committee will ensure that fiber optic cables are properly considered during road design and construction planning. By developing proactive engagement strategies, we can significantly reduce these disruptions and enhance the reliability of telecom services across the country,” he stated.
Ensuring a Resilient Digital Infrastructure
Beyond protecting telecom investments, Dr. Maida stressed that preserving fiber infrastructure is essential for sustaining Nigeria’s digital economy.
“Every fiber cut affects businesses, banking services, and essential digital operations. With this initiative, we aim to prevent avoidable service disruptions, allowing telecom operators to focus on network expansion rather than frequent repairs,” he added.
With this collaborative effort, the NCC is reinforcing its commitment to building a robust digital infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and supporting Nigeria’s economic and technological advancement.