Nigeria to Criminalize Fibre Cable Damage in Nigeria

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Nigeria's telecommunications industry is facing a hidden enemy: damaged fibre optic cables. These critical arteries, constantly under threat from accidental or deliberate destruction, are causing significant disruptions and financial strain. To combat this issue, the works ministry is crafting a regulation with sharper teeth.

The proposed legislation aims to criminalize fibre cable damage, particularly focusing on underground networks. While existing laws address vandalism of above-ground infrastructure, these buried cables remain vulnerable, especially during construction projects. Accidental damage by construction companies has been a major culprit, as evidenced by a recent incident that left MTN customers fuming for over five hours due to severed cables in three different locations.

MTN, Nigeria's telecom giant, serves as a cautionary tale. In 2023 alone, the company grappled with over 6,000 fibre network cuts, translating to hefty repair costs and service outages. The financial toll pushed MTN to spend a staggering ₦11 billion on relocating vulnerable cables, highlighting the urgency of the problem.

This isn't just about inconvenience for phone users. The broader telecommunications sector, a key driver of Nigeria's economic growth, is struggling under the weight of rising operational costs. The double devaluation of the Naira, coupled with surging electricity and fuel prices, has squeezed profit margins. Airtel, for instance, witnessed a dramatic profit plunge of 99% last year due to currency devaluation. Even MTN, Nigeria's telecom leader, wasn't immune. The company's first loss in three years materialized in 2023, a stark reminder of the precarious financial state of the industry.

The government's proposed legislation to criminalize fibre cable damage represents a crucial step towards protecting critical infrastructure and fostering a more stable business environment for the telecom sector. By deterring cable damage and ensuring network reliability, this regulation has the potential to improve service for users and pave the way for a more prosperous telecommunications landscape in Nigeria.

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