Road construction causes over 5,000 fibre cuts in 6 months, says NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reported that over 5,000 fibre-optic cable cuts have occurred across the country in the first six months of 2026, primarily due to road construction, excavation, and related civil works. Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, disclosed this at a stakeholders' workshop on the protection of fibre-optic cables during road construction and rehabilitation activities.

He emphasized that the frequent damage to fibre infrastructure can disrupt essential digital services and impose costs on telecommunications operators, businesses, and citizens. The NCC has established a Standing Committee on the Protection of Fibre Optic Cables, with expanded membership to include officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser, to develop coordination mechanisms before, during, and after road works.

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