Technology giant Globacom, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, hosted the 2025 International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja on Wednesday and Thursday. The event, held in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), brought together global telecommunications stakeholders to promote innovation, collaboration, and strategic initiatives.
As the sole owner of the Glo 1 underwater cable, Globacom engaged with major international players in the digital and telecommunications sectors to explore ways to enhance cable network resilience for the benefit of customers.
Recognizing the critical importance of undersea cables to business and economic growth in Nigeria and the West African sub-region, Globacom launched Glo 1 in 2010, connecting Europe to Africa. Notably, in 2024, when fiber cuts disrupted private, public, and economic activities across West Africa, Glo 1 remained operational, thanks to its robust infrastructure and the company’s proactive maintenance efforts. Recently, its capacity was further expanded to meet increasing user demand and ensure consistent, reliable connectivity.
The two-day summit was opened by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, who emphasized the indispensable role of underwater cables in modern economies.
“Submarine cables form the backbone of global digital connectivity, carrying over 95% of international data traffic, linking continents, and enabling the smooth operation of modern economies. Yet, despite their significance, these infrastructures remain vulnerable to disruptions—whether from natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, accidental damage, or evolving cyber threats,” he stated. He further highlighted the Nigerian government’s commitment to recognizing and protecting telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, aligning with broader efforts to enhance digital resilience.
The Minister reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to advancing digital infrastructure and implementing policies that foster innovation, connectivity, and economic growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU, addressed the summit, stressing the increasing global dependence on digital infrastructure and the crucial role of undersea cables in fostering innovation. She emphasized the need for substantial investment to ensure meaningful global connectivity.
Additionally, Prof. Sandra Maximiano, Co-Chair of the ITU Advisory Board, discussed the challenges of preventing cable outages. He highlighted the importance of enhancing resilience by ensuring that technical resources, such as ships, stockpiles, and replacement parts, are available in regions with lower submarine cable densities. He also called for regulatory measures that align with resilience needs.
The summit featured multiple panel discussions focused on key aspects of submarine cable resiliency, bringing together experts and industry leaders to develop actionable strategies for safeguarding global connectivity.
Globacom’s participation reinforced its role as a leader in Nigeria’s digital transformation, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening telecommunications infrastructure for sustained economic and technological progress.
