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The Nigerian telecommunications sector faced significant challenges in 2023, with operators reporting losses of at least ₦35.4 billion (approximately $23 million) due to frequent fibre optic cable cuts. These disruptions severely impacted internet connectivity and service quality across the country.
In February, multiple fibre cuts caused widespread outages, leaving millions of MTN Nigeria subscribers without internet or call services for over four hours. Such incidents have become increasingly frequent, undermining network reliability and efficiency.
Alarming Statistics Highlight Sector Challenges
Airtel Nigeria reported an average of 43 daily fibre cuts on its network, culminating in 7,742 incidents over six months. The telco attributed these cuts to construction activities, vandalism, and inadequate coordination among stakeholders.
“Fibre cuts have become an epidemic in the Nigerian telecom industry,” noted Femi Adeniran, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR at Airtel Nigeria.
Fibre optic cables are crucial for delivering high-speed internet and robust connectivity, particularly in urban areas. Nigeria’s fibre optic network spans 78,676 kilometres, with Lagos (7,864.60 km), Edo (4,892.71 km), and the Federal Capital Territory (4,472.03 km) boasting the highest concentrations.
Mounting Costs for Telecom Operators
Repairing damaged cables and mitigating losses came at a steep cost in 2023, with Bloomberg reporting ₦27 billion ($23 million) in expenses and lost revenues. MTN Nigeria suffered over 6,000 fibre cuts during the year. Between 2022 and 2023, the operator relocated 2,500 kilometres of vulnerable cables, costing more than ₦11 billion—funds that could have been used to deploy 870 kilometres of new fibre lines in underserved regions.
Calls for Government Intervention
The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has urged the federal government to designate telecom infrastructure as critical national assets. Such a move, they argue, would enhance the protection of vital facilities, including fibre cables, towers, and data centres, ensuring uninterrupted services.
ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo highlighted the broader implications of these disruptions: “Depending on the root of the impact, it can lead to prolonged outages. It also disrupts smooth operations.”
Key stakeholders, including industry leaders and government representatives, echoed this sentiment at the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit. During a panel session titled ‘Protecting Critical National Infrastructure: Securing Nigeria’s Telecommunications Sector for Sustainable Growth’, experts underscored the need to safeguard telecom assets from vandalism, theft, and cyber threats.
Dapo Otunla, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer at IHS, emphasized the importance of securing telecommunications infrastructure to meet the nation’s digital economy goals. He called for collaborative efforts to protect these critical assets, which are pivotal to Nigeria’s economic growth and sustainability.
As fibre optic cable cuts persist, safeguarding telecom infrastructure remains a pressing issue for ensuring the country’s connectivity and economic resilience.
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