Nigeria’s telecommunications industry is under siege—not from cyber-attacks or system failures, but from an unexpected source: road construction destroying fibre cables.

In 2024 alone, over 50,000 cuts of fibre cables were recorded across the country, with 30,000 traced to Federal and State roadworks. These disruptions have caused billions of naira in losses, widespread network outages, and slowed the country’s digital progress.

To tackle this crisis, the Federal Ministry of Works, FMoW, and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, FMoCIDE, have set up a Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fiber Optic Cables. The committee, inaugurated on February 2025, brings together key players from both ministries and the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, to develop solutions that will prevent fibre damage before, during, and after road construction projects.

Billions lost; services disrupted

The financial impact of fibre cuts on Nigeria’s telecom sector is staggering. In 2023, operators lost ₦35.4 billion equivalent to $23 million due to fibre damage, forcing network providers to divert resources from expansion to repairs. MTN Nigeria alone recorded over 6,000 fibre cuts, leading to the relocation of 2,500 kilometers of fibre optic cables at a cost exceeding ₦11 billion.

Beyond the financial losses, the consequences have been far-reaching. The February 2024 nationwide MTN network outage was a direct result of multiple fibre cuts, disrupting businesses, banking transactions, and communication services for millions of Nigerians. With 4G and 5G networks heavily reliant on fibre optic infrastructure, continued damage threatens the country’s broadband future.

A coordinated approach to protection

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, stressed the need for a coordinated strategy to prevent further damage. He directed the committee to create effective communication channels between road construction firms, telecom operators, and government agencies to ensure fibre protection is factored into project planning.

“The placement of fibre cables will now be integrated into the design and construction of road networks, with provisions for underground ducts to prevent unnecessary cuts,” he stated.

The committee will work closely with Federal Controllers of Works in all states to align road projects with telecom operators. Regular meetings will be held to discuss challenges, develop industry-wide solutions, and share performance reports.

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Despite this progress, fibre cuts have slowed expansion efforts, particularly in rural areas where broadband penetration remains low. Engr. Farouk Yusuf, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, noted that fibre networks are critical to Nigeria’s digital economy and must be safeguarded against preventable disruptions.

Telecom operators, consumers to benefit

The impact of fibre damage extends beyond the telecom industry—it affects millions of Nigerians. Each fibre cut results in service disruptions, dropped calls, slow internet speeds, and financial losses for businesses.

Dr. Aminu Maida, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, emphasized that preventing fibre cuts will allow operators to redirect resources towards network expansion and quality improvement.

“This initiative is about protecting consumers and strengthening Nigeria’s digital future. If we can prevent these avoidable disruptions, telecom operators can invest in broader coverage and improved connectivity rather than costly repairs,” he said.

A future with fewer disruptions

With Nigeria’s economy increasingly reliant on seamless digital connectivity, the establishment of this committee signals a major step towards a more resilient telecom industry. If effectively implemented, this initiative will: Drastically reduce service outages, cute down repair costs for operators, accelerate broadband expansion across the country.

For a nation striving to lead Africa in digital transformation, protecting fibre optic infrastructure is not just an industry concern—it is a national priority.

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