NCC Calls for Improved Collaboration to Address Fibre Cuts

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has identified a critical lack of collaboration among stakeholders, especially the Ministry of Works, as the primary cause of widespread fiber optic cable cuts during road construction projects. Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, revealed that over 5,000 such incidents occurred in the first six months of the year alone, directly linked to inadequate coordination before and during civil works.

Speaking at a workshop themed "Secure today: Connect Tomorrow," Maida stressed that this situation is not about assigning blame but about the urgent need for greater cooperation. The workshop aimed to bring together key players to find solutions for protecting the nation's vital digital infrastructure.

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In the first six months of this year alone, over 5,000 fiber cut incidents were reported from road excavation, construction, and related civil work. Many occurred because there was little or no coordination between works before they began, or before the first shovel entered the ground.

Air Vice Marshall Effion Ewa from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) echoed the sentiment, highlighting the workshop's objective to foster stronger collaboration. He emphasized that the collective actions of these stakeholders directly impact Nigeria's digital future, underscoring the importance of safeguarding fiber optic cables for continued connectivity and development.

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The objective of the engagement is to foster stronger collaboration amongst critical stakeholders whose collective actions have directly impacted, and have a direct impact on the future of Nigeria’s digital future.