The Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy have established a joint committee to address the persistent issue of fibre optic cable cuts during road projects.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Mr Rafiu Adeladan, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at a Stakeholders’ Workshop on the Protection of Fibre Optic Infrastructure during road construction activities in Nigeria.
Adeladan said damage to fibre cables could disrupt digital services, cause financial losses and affect businesses and millions of Nigerians.
“Any damage to fibre optic cables and other telecommunication facilities, whether deliberately or accidentally, has implications far beyond the immediate physical damage,” he said.
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He further called for stronger coordination between road contractors, telecommunications operators and government agencies to prevent the cable cuts during road construction.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, represented by the Director of Telecoms and Postal Services, Stanley Musa, described fibre infrastructure as a strategic national asset.
Gagare said frequent fibre cuts were undermining investments in broadband infrastructure, disrupting essential services and increasing costs for network operators.
He said a tripartite Standing Committee on the Protection of Fibre Optic Infrastructure had been established to improve coordination, enforce Right-of-Way regulations and promote the nationwide “Dig Once” policy.
He urged stakeholders to work together to protect the infrastructure supporting Nigeria’s digital economy.
Recent data indicates that over 5000 fibre links were damaged in just six months due to road projects, highlighting the urgent need for improved protective measures.
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Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
