Experts Warn of Risks in Nigeria's Fiber Optic Project

Experts have raised concerns regarding inadequate fiber installation practices that could jeopardize the Nigerian federal government's initiative to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable. This project, part of a $2 billion effort to enhance digital infrastructure, aims to expand Nigeria's fiber backbone from 35,000 km to 125,000 km, connecting all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

During a two-day Siemon-certified installation training program in Abuja, stakeholders emphasized the importance of adhering to international cable standards to ensure long-term reliability of Nigeria's broadband infrastructure. Adewale Olagbenro, Siemon's Regional Sales Manager for West Africa, highlighted that poor installation is a leading cause of network failures and service disruptions.

He noted that every certified partner must undergo rigorous testing to ensure compliance with standards. The Central Bank of Nigeria's recent directives also stress the need for financial institutions to host critical data locally, creating opportunities for data center development and advanced network infrastructure.