The Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy have established a Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fiber Optic Cables to address the persistent issue of fiber optic cuts and damages caused by road construction and rehabilitation activities.
A statement yesterday said the disruptions have had a significant negative impact on telecommunications services across Nigeria.
It noted that the Joint Standing Committee on Protection of Fiber Optic Cables was inaugurated Tuesday, 18th February at the Boardroom of the FMoW, by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, and his counterpart at the FMoCIDE, Engr Farouk Yusuf, with the attendance of the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida.
Engr. Adebiyi, while inaugurating the committee, directed it to establish modalities to ensure the reduction of damage to deployed fiber optic cables resulting from road construction and maintenance activities, as well as vandalism, which has caused severe incidences of service disruption across the country.
He said the committee will serve as a coordinating body for all issues pertaining to the protection of fiber optic cables, before, during and after the completion of road constructions or maintenance activities, and will meet on a regular basis to discuss identified problems, agree on industry-wide solutions, set standard engagement processes and procedures, as well as share monthly performance reports.
In his remarks, Engr. Farouk Yusuf, highlighted the significance of fiber optics cables to the country’s economy, stating that fiber networks are the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, enabling the seamless delivery of both fixed and mobile broadband services essential for nationwide connectivity, economic growth and technological innovation.
The EVC/CEO of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasised the significance of the committee’s mandate, noting that it has the potential to significantly reduce service disruptions across Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
