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October 12.2025
2 Minutes Read

Nigeria's Telecoms Crisis: Over 19,000 Fibre Cuts Impact Digital Economy

Nigeria fibre cuts telecoms crisis highlighted by a speaker at a conference.

19,000 Fibre Cuts: A Wake-Up Call for Nigeria's Telecoms

Nigeria's telecommunications sector is facing a crisis. Over 19,000 fibre cuts have occurred from January to August 2025, severely impacting connectivity and the economy. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reports that alongside these cuts, there have been more than 3,000 incidents of equipment theft and site vandalism. These challenges are hindering both service and financial stability for local telecom operators.

NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, emphasized the critical importance of connectivity for productivity and even public safety. "Connectivity is the quiet enabler of productivity, commerce, and even security," he stated. The consequences of such disruptions are not just statistics – they represent lost opportunities and potential harm in emergencies, as most Nigerians rely heavily on mobile telecommunications for daily communications.

Economic Impacts of Poor Connectivity

With broadband penetration currently standing at just 48.81% and more than 140 million Nigerians online, the telecom sector is pivotal to Nigeria's GDP growth. A World Bank study highlights that each 10% increase in broadband penetration can enhance GDP by up to 1.38%. This statistic underlines the direct correlation between robust digital infrastructure and economic vitality, making the need for protection against vandalism and disruption a matter of urgency.

Government Action and Collaborative Efforts

In response to the ongoing crisis, the NCC and law enforcement are actively combating these issues through the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order. The CNII Order allows authorities to implement stricter security measures and provide immediate responses to threats against telecom infrastructure. Additionally, certain state governments have waived Right of Way fees, facilitating the faster rollout of fibre networks. However, Maida encourages other states to follow suit and view telecom infrastructure protection as a necessity for economic success.

Embracing the Future: Digital Transformation

There's a pressing need for Nigeria to align its digital strategies with the broader ambitions of transforming into a fully connected nation. Plans to reach 70% broadband penetration and deploy extensive fibre optic backbone by 2025 are underway. The NCC aims to launch the Ease of Doing Business Portal and the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Index to promote transparency and measure digital readiness across the country, driving both local and foreign investments needed for future growth.

In today's digital era, the urgency to protect networks has never been more pronounced. If stakeholders—governments, telecom operators, and the private sector—work together, Nigeria can ensure a resilient and thriving digital landscape, critical for fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic progress.

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