Federal Government Establishes Joint Committee to Prevent Fiber Optic Cable Cuts
Federal Government Establishes Joint Committee to Prevent Fiber Optic Cable Cuts
The committee was inaugurated on February 18, 2025, at the FMoW Boardroom by Permanent Secretaries Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi (FMoW) and Engr. Farouk Yusuf (FMoCIDE), with the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, also in attendance. The committee comprises key personnel from both ministries and the NCC.
Committee’s Role and Mandate
The primary objective of the Joint Standing Committee is to establish effective communication and coordination between the two ministries and the NCC to prevent damage to fiber optic cables during road construction and maintenance activities. Engr. Adebiyi tasked the committee with formulating strategies to reduce damage caused by construction and vandalism, which have led to widespread service disruptions.
The committee will serve as a coordinating body, addressing issues related to fiber optic cable protection before, during, and after road projects. It is expected to meet regularly to identify challenges, agree on industry-wide solutions, develop standardized procedures, and share performance reports monthly. Additionally, it will create a rapid communication mechanism to ensure prompt information dissemination among stakeholders.
Engr. Adebiyi also assured that future road planning, design, and construction will incorporate fiber optic infrastructure, including provisions for ducts to house cables. The committee will collaborate closely with Federal Controllers of Works (FCWs) to safeguard fiber optic infrastructure during project execution while maintaining alignment with telecom operators on ongoing and future projects.
Significance of Fiber Optic Protection
Engr. Farouk Yusuf underscored the critical role of fiber optic cables in Nigeria’s economy, describing them as the backbone of the nation’s digital infrastructure. He emphasized that a well-protected fiber network is essential for ensuring seamless broadband services, driving economic growth, and fostering technological innovation.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the NCC’s EVC/CEO, highlighted the significant impact of fiber cuts on telecommunications services. He revealed that in 2024 alone, over 50,000 fiber cuts were recorded across Nigeria, with approximately 30,000 attributed to road construction activities. Some incidents led to major network outages, including the nationwide MTN network disruption in February 2024.
“A major issue contributing to the rising number of fiber cuts is the lack of effective coordination between road construction companies and fiber infrastructure operators,” Dr. Maida stated. “This committee’s work will be crucial in minimizing service disruptions, reducing unnecessary repair costs, and ensuring operators can focus on expanding networks rather than fixing avoidable damage.”
Dr. Maida further noted that preventing fiber cuts will not only benefit telecom operators but also Nigerian consumers, as reduced network disruptions will lead to more reliable connectivity. He emphasized that preventing such incidents would allow operators to redirect resources toward network expansion and infrastructure improvements.
The formation of this committee marks a significant step toward protecting Nigeria’s critical telecom infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery, and promoting a digitally connected future for all citizens.
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