The Nigerian Communications Commission revealed that telecommunications infrastructure suffered over 5,000 fibre-optic cable cuts in six months, causing widespread network disruptions for digital businesses. The cuts have affected internet connectivity and mobile services across the country.
The fibre-optic cable cuts are a significant challenge for Nigeria’s digital economy. The disruptions have affected businesses, schools and individuals who rely on the internet for their daily activities. The NCC has called on stakeholders to protect telecommunications infrastructure and report vandalism. The government must take action to address the problem and ensure the security of critical infrastructure.
The winners: none. The losers: Nigerian businesses and individuals, who have suffered from the disruptions, and the Nigerian economy, which loses productivity.
Bottom Line: 5,000 fibre cuts in six months. The digital economy is under threat. The question is whether the government will protect the infrastructure or the vandalism will continue.