The Federal Ministry of Works (FMoW) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE) have inaugurated a Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fiber Optic Cables. This initiative aims to address the recurring issue of fiber optic cuts and damages caused by road construction and rehabilitation projects, which have severely impacted telecommunications services across Nigeria.
The committee was officially launched on Tuesday, February 18, at the FMoW boardroom by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, alongside his counterpart at FMoCIDE, Engr. Farouk Yusuf. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida. The committee consists of representatives from both ministries and the NCC.
The primary objective of the committee is to foster coordination between the ministries and the NCC to minimize and prevent damage to fiber optic infrastructure during road construction and maintenance. Engr. Adebiyi emphasized the importance of developing clear operational procedures to protect fiber networks, reduce disruptions, and curb vandalism.
“This committee will act as a central coordinating body to ensure fiber cables are safeguarded throughout all stages of road construction and rehabilitation,” he stated. “It will also facilitate industry-wide solutions, establish standard engagement processes, and provide regular performance reports.”
To enhance efficiency, the committee is expected to develop a rapid-response communication mechanism to ensure swift information sharing among all relevant stakeholders. Additionally, the Ministry of Works has committed to incorporating fiber optic placement considerations into the planning, design, and execution of road infrastructure projects. This will include provisions for installing ducts to accommodate fiber cables.
Engr. Adebiyi further highlighted the need for close collaboration between the committee and Federal Controllers of Works (FCWs) to prioritize the protection of fiber optic infrastructure in all road construction projects. This approach aims to ensure telecom operators are aligned with ongoing and future construction plans.
In his remarks, Engr. Farouk Yusuf underscored the critical role of fiber optic networks in driving Nigeria’s digital economy. “Fiber networks are the backbone of broadband connectivity, supporting both fixed and mobile internet services. Protecting these infrastructures is essential for economic growth, technological advancement, and seamless nationwide connectivity,” he noted.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the NCC EVC/CEO, reiterated the committee’s crucial role in reducing service disruptions. He revealed that in 2023 alone, Nigeria recorded over 50,000 incidents of fiber cuts, with approximately 30,000 linked to road construction activities. Notably, such disruptions contributed to major network failures, including the nationwide MTN outage in February 2024.
“The lack of an effective coordination mechanism between road construction companies and telecom operators has been a major factor in the increasing rate of fiber cuts,” Dr. Maida explained. “This committee has the potential to significantly reduce network outages, lower repair costs, and minimize the need for redundant routes as backup solutions.”
He emphasized that preventing avoidable fiber cuts would benefit not just the telecom industry but all Nigerians. “Every time a fiber cut occurs, consumers experience disruptions, and operators are forced to divert resources towards costly repairs. If we can mitigate these damages, telecom companies can focus on network expansion and infrastructure improvements,” he added.
With the establishment of this Joint Standing Committee, the government aims to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and ensure a more resilient telecommunications network, ultimately enhancing connectivity and service reliability across the country.
