Telecom executives seek tougher regulations on fibre cuts

Telecom executives are seeking stricter regulations to curb the rising cases of fibre cuts in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, which have cost operators an estimated N5bn in 2024 alone, causing widespread network disruptions and service outages.

Accidental damage during road excavations remains a major cause, often resulting from poor coordination between construction firms and telecom operators.

Without a comprehensive solution, telecom companies will continue to face operational inefficiencies and financial strain, while subscribers endure unreliable network services.

“Over 2,500 fibre cuts were recorded in the state last year, causing widespread service disruptions and financial losses,” Senior Manager at Broadbased Communications, Jude Ighomena, said at the recent Policy Implementation Assisted Forum in Lagos.

The telecom executive said Lagos’ busiest commercial districts—Ikeja, Lekki, and Victoria Island—are the most affected, with road construction and private developments frequently damaging underground fibre cables.

Alimosho and the Mainland areas have become hotspots for fibre cable theft and vandalism, he revealed.

“These recurring incidents stem from poor planning, lack of coordination, and overlapping regulatory mandates,” Ighomena said. “Government agencies, construction firms, and telecom operators work independently, leading to repeated damages without accountability.”

Last year, President Bola Tinubu issued an official gazette designating telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure. This move criminalises the wilful destruction of telecom assets, including fibre optic cables, towers, data centres, and satellite systems.

To address the crisis, telecom executives are advocating for a Fibre Protection Framework that will centralise regulations, enforce real-time monitoring systems, and introduce strict penalties for those responsible for fibre cuts.

During a panel discussion, CEO of Cedarview Communications Ltd, Wale Owoeye, stressed the need to classify fibre cables as critical national infrastructure to ensure better protection.

“Telecom infrastructure is vital to national security, e-governance, telemedicine, and financial services.