NCC Calls for Action to Safeguard Fibre-Optic Cables

At a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, urged for collaborative efforts to protect fibre-optic cables during road construction and related activities.

He emphasized that while roads connect communities physically, fibre networks are essential for digital connectivity, impacting various sectors such as banking, healthcare, and commerce. Maida recalled a significant telecommunications disruption in late February 2024, caused by multiple fibre cuts, which affected millions of subscribers.

He reported over 5,000 fibre-cut incidents in the first six months of the year, primarily due to inadequate coordination among stakeholders. To mitigate these issues, a Standing Committee on the Protection of Fibre-Optic Cables was established, including members from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to enhance coordination before, during, and after construction activities.