Telecommunications operators in Lagos have reported suffering 2,500 fibre cuts in 2024, leading to an estimated loss of N5 billion ($6.25 million). The issue was discussed at the seventh Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo) held over the weekend in Lagos.
High-Risk Areas and Causes of Fibre Cuts
Operators identified Ikeja, Lekki, and Victoria Island as high-risk zones where frequent road expansions and private developments disrupt connectivity.
The major causes of fibre cuts include:
- Construction and urban development – Road works and building projects damage fibre lines.
- Illegal excavation and vandalism – Unapproved digging by individuals and groups.
- Multiple regulatory authorities – Conflicting policies create coordination challenges.
Call for Stronger Preventive Measures
Despite existing regulations, fibre cuts persist. Jude Ighomena, a senior official at Broadbased Communications, called for stricter enforcement and compensation mechanisms.
“Offenders must be held accountable. We need stricter penalties for unauthorized disruptions and better coordination among stakeholders,” he said.
The impacts of fibre cuts include:
- Economic losses – Businesses suffer due to downtime.
- Service disruptions – Poor connectivity frustrates users.
- Security concerns – Weak networks can affect emergency response systems.
Proposal for a Regional Tariff Regime
At the forum, operators proposed a shift from the current national tariff system to a regional tariff model. This would allow pricing to reflect the ease or difficulty of doing business in each state.
Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), explained:
“Some states are more difficult to operate in than others. A regional tariff system will ensure that states with better business environments get fairer rates, while those imposing tougher conditions bear the cost.”
Operators emphasized the need for:
- Better infrastructure planning – Coordination between telecom companies and government agencies.
- Tougher penalties – Stronger legal action against those causing fibre damage.
- Stakeholder collaboration – Involvement of the public, telecoms, and civil society in policy-making.
With these measures, telecom operators hope to reduce disruptions, improve service quality, and create a fairer business environment across Nigeria.
