FG Sets Up Committee to Protect Fiber Optic Cables from Road Construction Damages | ClipTV Online

The Federal Government has inaugurated a Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fiber Optic Cables to address the persistent issue of cable cuts and damages caused by road construction and rehabilitation activities. This is an initiative to collaborate between the Federal Ministry of Works (FMoW) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE). It seeks to enhance coordination and prevent disruptions in Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure.

The committee was formally inaugurated on Tuesday, February 18, at the FMoW Boardroom by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, alongside his counterpart from the Ministry of Communications, Engr. Farouk Yusuf. The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, was also in attendance. The committee consists of key representatives from the two ministries and the NCC.

Coordinated Approach

Engr. Adebiyi, while inaugurating the committee, tasked it with developing clear communication channels between the ministries and the NCC to mitigate fiber optic cable damage caused by road projects. He emphasized that the committee would serve as a central coordinating body for all matters related to fiber optic protection before, during, and after road construction activities.

To establish best practices to minimize fiber cuts, the committee is expected to set standardized engagement procedures. They are also to share monthly performance reports.

Moving forward, Engr. Adebiyi assured that fiber optic cable placement will be factored into the planning, design, and construction of Nigeria’s road networks. This will include provisions for ducts during road development projects, ensuring cables are better protected. Adebiyi highlighted the role of Federal Controllers of Works (FCWs). He stated the role is to implemente protective measures in collaboration with telecom operators.

Fiber Optics

On the other hand, Engr. Farouk Yusuf note the economic significance of fiber optic infrastructure. He noted that fiber networks are critical to the country’s digital economy. Farouk further stressed that broadband connectivity relies on the integrity of these cables.

“The work of this committee is crucial to ensuring that telecommunication services are not disrupted due to construction activities,” Yusuf stated. “Reliable fiber infrastructure is fundamental to Nigeria’s economic growth and technological innovation.”

Telecom Infrastructure

Dr. Aminu Maida, NCC EVC/CEO reinforced the importance of the committee’s mandate. Dr. Maida highlight potentials to reduce service disruptions nationwide.

“This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s telecommunications industry,” he said. “Fiber networks are the foundation of our broadband ecosystem. It does provide high capacity backhaul which is required for ultra fast 4G and 5G services. The new technologies depend on fiber infrastructure to deliver low latency. Also to deliver high reliability, and seamless data transmission.”

Dr. Maida cited that over 50,000 fiber cuts recorded in 2024, with around 30,000 attributed to federal and state road construction activities. He further note that some of these incidents led to severe network outages. Such as the nationwide MTN service disruption in February 2024.

He identified that the major cause of these incidents is the lack of effective coordination between road construction firms and fiber infrastructure operators. However, Dr. Maida is optimistic that the committee’s work would lead to a significant reduction in fiber cuts. Also, that the collaboration will minimize network outages and cutting down unnecessary repair costs.

“This initiative benefits not just the telecommunications industry but all Nigerians,” Maida emphasized. “Every fiber cut leads to service disruptions, and while operators invest in costly redundancy measures, preventing these disruptions will allow them to redirect resources towards network expansion and infrastructure improvements.”

The establishment of this committee is an indication of a proactive step toward safeguarding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. The committee will also help ensure smoother coordination between road construction efforts and the protection of critical telecom assets.