By Chinenye Anuforo [email protected]
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is a vital artery of the economy, supplying various sectors with data and connectivity to flourish.
Regardless of the importance of this critical infrastructure, it is not insulated from man-made and natural attacks, chief of which is fiber optic cable cuts. These seemingly minor disruptions have a cascading effects on the country. Aside frustrating users, there are colossal financial losses for companies and hindering the nation’s digital progress.
Scope of problem
The sheer number of fiber optic cuts paints a concerning picture. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reported over 50,000 cases of infrastructure damage in the past five years with fiber cuts contributing to over 30% of network outage incidents. Telecom companies face an average of 1,600 cuts per month, according to a report highlighting the relentless nature of the problem.
These cuts come from various sources. Accidental damage during construction by oblivious excavators is a major culprit. “Lack of proper planning and communication between construction firms and telecom operators leads to these incidents,” explained Lekan Balogun, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NetAccess Limited.
Deliberate vandalism and cable theft also play a role. “Some steal cables to sell the copper components,” said a source who spoke on condition of anonymity. “However, the true value lies in the fiber itself, and they often end up damaging them beyond salvage.”
The financial impact is significant. “Repairs and revenue losses from damaged cables cost the industry nearly N27 billion ($23 million) in 2023,” reveals a report obtained by Bloomberg. Leading operators like MTN bear the brunt, with MTN suffering over 6,000 cuts last year alone. The operator had to relocate 2,500 kilometers of vulnerable cables at a cost exceeding N11 billion enough to build new lines in underserved areas.
The ripple effect
The consequences extend far beyond financial losses and user inconvenience. Disruptions caused by fiber cuts impact businesses heavily. “Downtime translates to lost productivity and missed opportunities,” says Dr. Aisha Aliyu, CEO of Lagos-based FinTech startup. “For businesses like mine that rely on real-time transactions, these cuts can be crippling.”
Education and healthcare sectors are not spared. “Schools utilizing e-learning platforms and hospitals relying on telemedicine are severely affected,” said Umaru Hassan, a medical practitioner. “The digital divide widens with each cut, disproportionately impacting those already struggling with limited access”, he said
Urgent steps needed
Experts offer a multi-pronged approach to address this issue. Increased collaboration is key. “The government, telecom operators, and construction companies need a coordinated effort to map existing cables and share this information,” suggested Folu Aderigbe from Rack Centre. Public awareness campaigns can educate the public about the importance of protecting these cables.
Stronger legal deterrents are also crucial. “The government should consider criminalizing damage to fiber optic infrastructure with stricter penalties,” said Engineer Gbenga Adebayo, the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ALTON).
Technology can play a role too. “Investing in stronger cables and exploring alternative materials like metal for added protection can minimize accidental damage,” another expert suggested.
Building a more connected future
Addressing the fiber optic cut problem is not just about fixing cables; it’s about building a more connected future for Nigeria. “A robust and reliable telecom infrastructure is essential for economic growth and social development. By prioritizing the protection of these vital connections, Nigeria can ensure a more stable, efficient, and inclusive digital landscape for all”, Adebayo said.
“Underground Cable Ducts: Burying fiber optic cables in underground ducts offers superior protection from accidental damage during construction and vandalism”, The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) President, Tony Emoekpere highlighted. This approach has been successfully implemented in countries like Rwanda and Kenya, significantly reducing fiber optic cuts.
Balogun also said implementing advanced cable detection technologies like electromagnetic locators and ground penetrating radar can help construction companies locate buried cables before excavation, preventing accidental cuts.
Learning from success stories
Several countries have tackled fiber optic infrastructure protection effectively. Japan, for instance, has a well-established underground duct system, and Singapore utilizes advanced cable mapping and detection technologies. These countries have witnessed a dramatic decrease in fiber optic cuts, ensuring network stability and fostering a thriving digital economy.
Temitope Ajayi, a senior presidential aide, recognised that these fibre cables are a critical backbone of the economy. “By prioritizing the protection of these vital connections, Nigeria can ensure a more stable, efficient, and inclusive digital landscape for all.”
Call to action
The government, alongside telecom operators and construction companies, must work together to implement a comprehensive strategy for fiber optic infrastructure protection. This includes: Trainings, policy development like declaration of telecom infrastructure as critical national infrastructure. Others include mapping existing cables and sharing information, enacting stricter laws, penalties and investing in underground cable ducts.