NCC Reports 5,934 Fibre Cuts Threatening Nigeria's Internet

Nigeria's internet infrastructure is under significant threat, with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reporting 5,934 fibre-optic cable cuts between January and June 2026, averaging about 33 cuts daily. This alarming trend jeopardizes vital services such as banking applications, mobile internet, and online businesses.

The recent incident in Abuja, where a cut on the Backbone Connectivity Network (BCN) disrupted services, exemplifies the broader national issue. Stakeholders attribute over 60% of fibre damage to road construction and excavation activities, compounded by vandalism and theft.

Poor coordination between construction teams and utility companies exacerbates the problem, particularly in regions like the Southeast, Southsouth, Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, Kano, and Kaduna. The financial implications are substantial, with industry estimates suggesting annual costs of fibre damage, including repairs and lost revenue, range between N27 billion and N35 billion.

This situation poses a serious risk to economic activities and the reliability of digital services across Nigeria.