In a strategic move to curb the persistent damage to fiber optic cables caused by road construction and rehabilitation projects, the Federal Ministry of Works (FMoW) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE) have established a Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fiber Optic Cables. This initiative aims to mitigate the disruptions that have significantly impacted telecommunications services across Nigeria.
The Joint Standing Committee was officially inaugurated on Tuesday, February 18, at the Boardroom of the FMoW. The ceremony was presided over by the Permanent Secretary of the FMoW, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, and his counterpart at the FMoCIDE, Engr. Farouk Yusuf, in the presence of the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida. The Committee comprises key officials from both ministries and the NCC.
A primary objective of the Committee is to foster effective coordination between the two ministries and the NCC to minimize and prevent fiber optic cable damage during road construction and maintenance. Engr. Adebiyi, while inaugurating the Committee, tasked its members with developing clear modalities to reduce fiber optic cable disruptions, including those caused by vandalism, which has led to widespread service outages.
He emphasized that the Committee would serve as a coordinating body, ensuring that fiber protection measures are integrated at all stages of road construction and maintenance. Regular meetings will be held to address emerging challenges, establish standardized industry-wide protocols, and share monthly performance reports. Additionally, the Committee is expected to develop an instant communication mechanism to facilitate swift information dissemination among stakeholders.
Looking ahead, Engr. Adebiyi assured that fiber cable placement would be a critical consideration in the planning, design, and execution of Nigeria’s road infrastructure projects. This includes incorporating ducts for fiber installations during road construction. He further noted that the Committee would collaborate with Federal Controllers of Works (FCWs) to ensure the protection of fiber infrastructure across all federal roads, in alignment with telecommunications operators.
Speaking at the event, Engr. Farouk Yusuf underscored the economic significance of fiber optic networks, stating that they form the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy. He highlighted their role in enabling seamless broadband services, which are essential for nationwide connectivity, economic expansion, and technological advancements. He emphasized that the Committee’s work is crucial to preventing disruptions that could hinder Nigeria’s digital growth.
The NCC’s EVC/CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida, reinforced the importance of the Committee’s mandate, stressing its potential to minimize service disruptions in the telecom industry. He revealed that over 50,000 fiber cut incidents were recorded nationwide in the previous year, with approximately 30,000 attributed to federal and state road construction activities. Some of these disruptions have resulted in major network outages, such as the nationwide MTN service failure in February 2024.
Dr. Maida identified the lack of coordination between road construction firms and fiber infrastructure operators as a major contributor to the increasing incidents of fiber cuts. He expressed optimism that the Committee’s efforts would significantly reduce such occurrences, thereby preventing network outages, reducing repair costs, and eliminating the need for redundant network routes.
“This initiative is not just for the telecommunications industry but for all Nigerians,” Dr. Maida stated. “Each fiber cut leads to service disruptions, forcing operators to invest in costly redundancy measures. If we can prevent these avoidable disruptions, resources can be redirected towards network expansion and infrastructure upgrades.”
With the inauguration of this Committee, the Federal Government signals its commitment to fostering a more resilient telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity for Nigerians, and promoting digital economic growth.
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