NCC Reports 5,000 Fibre Cuts Due to Road Construction

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) disclosed that more than 5,000 incidents of fibre-optic cable cuts occurred across Nigeria in the first six months of 2026, largely attributed to road construction, excavation, and related civil works. Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, made this announcement during a stakeholders’ workshop focused on protecting fibre-optic cables during road activities.

He noted that the damage to fibre infrastructure could disrupt essential digital services and impose costs on telecommunications operators, businesses, and citizens. Many incidents resulted from inadequate coordination among stakeholders prior to construction.

Maida recalled a significant disruption in February 2024, where fibre cuts led to network-wide issues for a telecommunications operator, affecting millions of subscribers. He stressed the importance of establishing effective coordination between road construction authorities and telecommunications operators.

A Standing Committee on the Protection of Fibre Optic Cables has been formed, including officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser, to enhance coordination and protect critical telecommunications infrastructure.