Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Realty at the Idea Dinner with the CEOs 2025
Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Realty, has expressed deep concern over the growing rate of fiber optic cable cuts in Nigeria, describing it as a major threat to the credibility and sustainability of the telecommunications sector.
Speaking during the IDEA Dinner with the Top CEOs 2025, organized by Techlife Media and Communications under the theme “Critical National Infrastructure: The CEOs’ Perspective,” Engr. Nnamani emphasized that while telecom operators typically insure their infrastructure, repeated incidents of fiber damage are raising red flags among insurance providers.
“As telecom operators, we insure our infrastructure. However, the frequent cutting of fiber cables is not covered, because when such claims become excessive, insurance companies begin to question our credibility,” he stated.
Engr. Nnamani stressed the need for a coordinated national approach to protect critical telecom infrastructure, noting that persistent vandalism and accidental damages not only cause service disruptions but also weaken investor confidence and limit the sector’s growth potential.
He called for stronger collaboration between operators, regulators, security agencies, and host communities to address the root causes of the recurring damage, while also advocating for policy reforms that classify telecom infrastructure as critical national assets deserving of special protection.
The IDEA Dinner served as a high-level platform for dialogue among Nigeria’s top technology and business leaders, fostering strategic conversations around infrastructure, innovation, and inclusion in the digital economy.
“To build a resilient digital future, we must move beyond damage control and invest in long-term, preventive solutions,” Engr. Nnamani concluded.
As Nigeria continues its push toward a fully connected and digitally inclusive economy, stakeholders at the event reaffirmed the need for intentional investment, robust infrastructure protection, and shared responsibility across the ecosystem.
