Nigeria Records 5,000 Fibre Cuts Amid Road Works

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reported over 5,000 incidents of fibre-optic cable cuts across Nigeria in the first six months of 2026, primarily linked to road construction, excavation, and related civil works. Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, disclosed this information at a stakeholders’ workshop focused on protecting fibre-optic cables during road activities.

He noted that these damages could disrupt essential digital services, affecting telecommunications operators, businesses, and citizens. Many incidents stemmed from inadequate coordination among stakeholders prior to construction.

Maida recalled a significant disruption in late February 2024, where fibre cuts led to network-wide issues for one telecommunications operator, impacting millions of subscribers. To address these challenges, a Standing Committee on the Protection of Fibre Optic Cables has been established, including members from the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Maida emphasized the importance of understanding responsibilities related to critical telecommunications infrastructure to prevent future incidents.