Nigeria Tackles 27,000 Fibre Cable Cuts Nationwide

Agencies and telecommunications companies in Nigeria are intensifying efforts to address the estimated 27,000 fibre cable cuts nationwide. Stakeholders at a forum in Lagos highlighted the ongoing issues of weak installation standards, construction activities, and vandalism undermining broadband expansion.

Eghosa Urhoghid, Managing Director of the Edo State Information Communication Technology Agency, emphasized the importance of collaboration among government agencies and telecom operators to reduce fibre cuts. The forum discussed the need for better coordination among stakeholders involved in road construction and telecom deployment, as poor practices have led to significant infrastructure damage.

Urhoghid noted that incidents of fibre damage stem from inadequate coordination and adherence to technical standards. Eric Chan from Huawei pointed out that infrastructure failures are linked to insufficient protection of fibre laid at shallow depths.

Dr. Ayotund Coker, Chief Executive Officer of Open Access Data Centre, argued for an open access model to reduce capital costs and improve network resilience.

The discussions underscored the critical need for stronger infrastructure protection measures in Nigeria.