FG Sets Up Joint Committee to Address Fiber Optic Cuts During Road Construction

Maryam Aminu

In a significant move to mitigate the recurring issue of fiber optic cable damage during road construction and rehabilitation activities, the Federal Government has inaugurated a Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fiber Optic Cables. The initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Works (FMoW) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE), aims to prevent disruptions in telecommunications services across Nigeria.

The committee was formally inaugurated on Tuesday, February 18, at the FMoW Boardroom by Permanent Secretary Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi and his counterpart at FMoCIDE, Engr. Farouk Yusuf.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida.

The newly established committee comprises representatives from the two ministries and the NCC.

The committee’s primary responsibility is to create and maintain effective communication channels between the ministries and the NCC to prevent damage to fiber optic cables during roadworks.

Engr. Adebiyi emphasized that the committee will serve as a coordinating body for issues related to fiber protection before, during, and after construction activities.

He further directed the committee to devise strategies to reduce cable damage caused by construction and vandalism, which has severely impacted network services nationwide.

To ensure efficiency, the committee will meet regularly to assess challenges, implement industry-wide solutions, standardize engagement protocols, and share monthly performance reports.

Additionally, a real-time communication mechanism will be developed to enable prompt information sharing among stakeholders.

Engr. Adebiyi assured that moving forward, fiber cable placement will be incorporated into road network planning, design, and construction processes, including the provision of dedicated ducts.

He also highlighted plans for closer collaboration with Federal Controllers of Works (FCWs) to safeguard critical telecom infrastructure during project execution.

Engr. Farouk Yusuf underscored the economic importance of fiber optic networks, describing them as the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy.

He noted that broadband connectivity is essential for economic growth and technological advancement, making the committee’s work vital to national development.

NCC CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida, highlighted the staggering impact of fiber cuts on the telecommunications industry, revealing that over 50,000 incidents were recorded last year, with around 30,000 linked to road construction activities.

He recalled the February 2024 nationwide MTN network outage as an extreme example of the consequences of fiber cuts.

Dr. Maida stressed the need for a structured collaboration between construction firms and telecom operators to curb fiber damage.

He expressed optimism that the committee’s efforts would lead to a significant reduction in service disruptions, unnecessary repair costs, and redundant infrastructure investments.

“This initiative is not just for the telecommunications industry but for all Nigerians. Every fiber cut results in service disruptions, forcing operators to invest in costly redundancies. By preventing these avoidable damages, resources can be redirected towards network expansion and infrastructure upgrades,” he stated.

The establishment of this committee marks a pivotal step towards ensuring the sustainability and resilience of Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure, reinforcing the government’s commitment to digital transformation and economic growth.