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 mitigate the persistent damage to fiber optic cables caused by road construction and rehabilitation activities, which have significantly disrupted telecommunications services across Nigeria.
The inauguration took place on Tuesday, February 18, at the Boardroom of the FMoW. It was presided over by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, and his counterpart at the Ministry of Communications, Engr. Farouk Yusuf. Also in attendance was the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida. The committee comprises key officials from both ministries and the NCC.
The committee’s primary responsibility is to establish and maintain clear communication and coordination channels between the ministries and the NCC to prevent fiber optic cable damage during road construction projects. Engr. Adebiyi emphasized the importance of setting modalities to ensure the protection of these cables, which are frequently affected by roadworks and vandalism, leading to severe service disruptions nationwide.
He stated that the committee would function as a coordinating body for all matters related to fiber optic cable protection before, during, and after road construction activities. Regular meetings will be held to address emerging challenges, develop industry-wide solutions, standardize engagement processes, and share monthly performance reports. Additionally, an instant communication mechanism will be developed to facilitate real-time information exchange among stakeholders.
Engr. Adebiyi assured that, moving forward, the Ministry of Works would integrate fiber optic cable placement into the planning, design, and construction of road networks, including provisions for ducts during new road projects. The committee will also work closely with Federal Controllers of Works (FCWs) to ensure the protection of fiber infrastructure during project implementation, in collaboration with telecommunications operators.
Speaking at the event, Engr. Farouk Yusuf underscored the critical role of fiber optic networks in Nigeria’s digital economy. He highlighted their importance in enabling fixed and mobile broadband services, which are essential for economic growth and technological advancement. He reiterated the necessity of the committee’s work in preventing telecommunications disruptions caused by road construction.
Dr. Aminu Maida, EVC/CEO of NCC, noted that the committee’s establishment was a significant step towards reducing service disruptions in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. He revealed that in 2023, over 50,000 fiber cuts were recorded across the country, with approximately 30,000 attributed to federal and state road construction activities. He cited incidents such as the February 2024 nationwide MTN network outage as examples of the impact of fiber cuts.
Dr. Maida stressed the need for an effective collaboration mechanism between road construction companies and fiber infrastructure operators to curb these disruptions. He expressed optimism that the committee’s work would lead to a significant reduction in fiber cuts, minimize network outages, and optimize resources for network expansion and infrastructure improvements.
“This initiative is not just for the telecommunications industry but for all Nigerians. Every time a fiber cut occurs, consumers experience service disruptions, and operators are forced to invest in costly redundancy measures. By preventing these avoidable disruptions, resources can be redirected towards improving network coverage and service delivery,” Dr. Maida stated.
The newly formed committee is expected to serve as a critical link in ensuring the seamless coexistence of road infrastructure development and the protection of Nigeria’s digital backbone.