In an effort to curb the frequent damage to fiber optic cables caused by road construction and rehabilitation projects, the Federal Ministry of Works (FMoW) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) have inaugurated a Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fiber Optic Cables. This initiative aims to mitigate disruptions that have severely impacted telecommunications services across Nigeria.
The Committee was officially inaugurated on Tuesday, February 18, at the Boardroom of the FMoW. The ceremony was led by the Permanent Secretary of the FMoW, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, alongside his counterpart from the FMCIDE, Engr. Farouk Yusuf, and attended by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida. The Committee consists of key officials from both ministries and the NCC.
A core mandate of the Committee is to improve coordination between the two ministries and the NCC to prevent fiber optic cable damage during road construction and maintenance. Engr. Adebiyi urged members to develop clear strategies to reduce disruptions, including those caused by vandalism, which has led to widespread service outages.
He highlighted that the Committee would act as a coordinating body to ensure fiber protection measures are integrated at all stages of road construction and maintenance. Regular meetings will be held to address challenges, establish standardized protocols, and share monthly performance reports. Additionally, an instant communication mechanism will be developed to facilitate swift information dissemination among stakeholders.
Engr. Adebiyi also assured that fiber cable placement would become a key factor in the planning, design, and execution of Nigeria’s road infrastructure projects. This includes incorporating ducts for fiber installations during road construction. The Committee will work closely with Federal Controllers of Works (FCWs) to safeguard fiber infrastructure on all federal roads, aligning efforts with telecommunications operators.
Speaking at the event, Engr. Farouk Yusuf emphasized the economic importance of fiber optic networks, stating that they are the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy. He noted their role in ensuring seamless broadband services, which are essential for national connectivity, economic expansion, and technological growth. He stressed that the Committee’s work is crucial in preventing disruptions that could hinder Nigeria’s digital progress.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the NCC’s EVC/CEO, reinforced the significance of the Committee’s mandate, highlighting its potential to reduce service disruptions in the telecom sector. He disclosed that over 50,000 fiber cuts were recorded nationwide in the previous year, with approximately 30,000 linked to federal and state road construction activities. Some of these incidents resulted in major network outages, including the nationwide MTN service failure in February 2024.
Dr. Maida pointed to the lack of coordination between road construction firms and fiber infrastructure operators as a key factor in the rising number of fiber cuts. He expressed confidence that the Committee’s efforts would significantly reduce such occurrences, preventing network outages, lowering repair costs, and eliminating the need for redundant network routes.
“This initiative is not just for the telecommunications industry but for all Nigerians,” Dr. Maida stated. “Each fiber cut leads to service disruptions, forcing operators to invest in costly redundancy measures. If we can prevent these avoidable disruptions, resources can be redirected towards network expansion and infrastructure upgrades.”
With the inauguration of this Committee, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity, and driving digital economic growth in Nigeria.
