The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has unveiled plans to lead a global initiative aimed at bolstering the protection of undersea cables, crucial components of the digital infrastructure.
Tijani made the announcement via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, highlighting the importance of safeguarding undersea cables following recent disruptions affecting Ghana, Togo, Senegal, and other nations.
In light of the vital role these cables play in the digital economy, Tijani emphasized the necessity of revisiting international laws and forging partnerships with regional and global organizations to expedite efforts in securing this essential infrastructure.
Assuring those impacted by the disruptions, Tijani assured that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is actively collaborating with relevant stakeholders to promptly resolve the issues.
The minister’s initiative represents a significant stride towards ensuring the resilience and reliability of undersea cables, which serve as lifelines in today’s interconnected world.
Tijani commended the collaborative efforts of telecom companies including @GloWorld, @WIOCC_, @MTNNG, @Mainoneservice, and the entire sector for their swift response in mitigating the impact of the cable cuts, highlighting their contribution to enhancing preparedness for future incidents.
He underscored the importance of engaging regional and global bodies to accelerate efforts in protecting undersea cables, emphasizing the need for international cooperation on this critical agenda.
Addressing those affected by the disruptions, Tijani reassured them of the NCC’s commitment to working with key stakeholders to resolve the issues expeditiously.
The recent undersea cable cuts, impacting broadband Internet connectivity to Nigeria and countries in the West African sub-region, prompted operational adjustments by banks, financial institutions, telecom companies, and allied firms.
Companies such as West African Cable System, African Coast to Europe, SAT3, and MainOne have reported faults and downtime, highlighting the urgency of bolstering measures to safeguard undersea cables against future disruptions.
