Nigeria's Telecoms Face N2.2bn Loss from 5,934 Cable Cuts

In the first six months of 2026, Nigeria experienced 5,934 fibre-optic cable cuts, leading telecommunications operators to spend approximately N2.2 billion on repairs. This averages to about 65 incidents daily, raising concerns about the impact on critical services such as banking, emergency communications, and government operations.

Effiom Ewa, Director of Critical National Security and Infrastructure Protection at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), emphasized that damage to fibre infrastructure disrupts not only telecommunications but also governance and economic productivity. The Federal Government's Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) framework includes telecommunications networks and related facilities, underscoring their importance to national security and public well-being.

Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), noted that the N2.2 billion figure excludes lost revenue and capital diverted for emergency repairs. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), stated that the repercussions of damaged cables extend beyond individual operators, affecting overall service delivery.