Nigeria has established a Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fiber Optic Cables to tackle the recurring issue of fibre cuts that have disrupted telecom services nationwide.

The committee, comprising representatives from the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, and the Nigerian Communications Commission, aims to develop strategies for minimizing cable damage and establishing clear communication protocols between telecom operators and construction firms.

The new committee’s primary role is to develop standardized engagement procedures to ensure fibre optic infrastructure is safeguarded before, during, and after road construction projects.

This includes creating instant communication mechanisms between telecom firms and road contractors, ensuring fibre placement is factored into road design and construction planning, and collaborating with Federal Controllers of Works to protect fibre infrastructure nationwide.

Fibre cuts have been a significant problem in Nigeria, with over 50,000 incidents recorded in 2024 alone, resulting in severe service interruptions and major network outages.

The lack of an efficient coordination mechanism between road contractors and telecom firms has been a key factor behind rising fibre cuts.

By reducing fibre cuts, Nigeria aims to improve service quality, lower maintenance costs, and enable faster broadband expansion.

The government has committed to incorporating fibre optic ducting into new road infrastructure projects, ensuring telecom networks remain resilient. The committee will meet regularly to evaluate progress, address emerging challenges, and refine its strategy.