The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that more than 5,000 fibre-optic cable cuts were recorded across the country within the first six months of 2026, largely due to road construction and excavation activities.
The commission warned that continued damage to telecommunications infrastructure poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s digital economy and essential services.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja on the protection of fibre-optic cables during civil works, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the recurring incidents highlighted the need for stronger coordination among contractors, government agencies and telecommunications operators.
According to him, many of the disruptions could have been avoided through proper planning and information sharing before construction projects commenced.
Maida described fibre infrastructure as a critical national asset that supports banking operations, education, healthcare, government services, commerce and security communications.
He noted that the consequences of fibre cuts often extend beyond telecommunications companies, affecting millions of Nigerians who rely on digital services for daily activities.
The NCC chief recalled a major incident in February 2024 when damage to fibre infrastructure caused a near-total service disruption for a telecommunications operator, leaving subscribers unable to make calls, send messages or access internet services for several hours.
He explained that such incidents often create pressure on other networks as users seek alternative service providers, resulting in broader disruptions across the communications ecosystem.
To address the challenge, Maida said the Federal Government established a Standing Committee on the Protection of Fibre Optic Cables, bringing together officials from the Ministries of Works and Communications to improve coordination before, during and after road projects.
He urged telecommunications operators to provide accurate data on cable routes while calling on contractors to verify infrastructure locations before excavation activities begin.
Other stakeholders at the workshop also stressed the importance of protecting fibre infrastructure, warning that repeated damage could increase operational costs, discourage investment and undermine efforts to expand broadband access nationwide.
The NCC said strengthening collaboration among all stakeholders remains crucial to safeguarding the infrastructure that powers Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
