Amid concerns over 200 annual marine cable cuts and disruptions, stakeholders under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have agreed on strategic solutions to address the growing threat. The decision was reached during a two-day ITU summit in Abuja.
Marine cable cuts have become a global challenge, severely impacting telecommunications and digital services. Experts at the summit emphasized the need for collaboration, rapid response mechanisms, and resilience-building strategies to protect critical infrastructure from both natural disasters and human activities.
According to Prof. Sandra Maximiano, Co-Chair of the International Advisory Board for Submarine Cable Resilience, Africa experienced four major cable cuts in March last year, disrupting digital connectivity for over 70 million people in West Africa.
Speaking at the event, John Omo, Secretary General of the African Telecommunication Union, stressed the urgency of developing a collective action plan among global agencies. He noted that Africa remains vulnerable due to its low cable density, challenging terrain, and coastal systems, making it more prone to disruptions than other regions.
“The recent West African cable cut exposed the lack of a coordinated response framework within countries and across regions. We must establish clear emergency protocols so that everyone in the ecosystem knows their role in the event of a cable disruption,” Omo said.
Key Outcomes of the ITU Summit
- Formation of Working Groups:
- Three specialized groups will focus on risk mitigation, fostering collaboration, and improving cable repair response times.
- Global Commitment to Cable Resilience:
- A formal declaration was made by the International Advisory Body on Submarine Cable Resilience, emphasizing the need for swift implementation of agreed strategies.
- Improved Regional Coordination:
- The summit stressed the importance of establishing rapid response frameworks for African nations to handle cable disruptions more effectively.
- Enhanced Security Measures:
- Experts highlighted the impact of piracy and fishing activities, particularly along the East African coast, as contributing factors to frequent cable damage.
Maximiano commended Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for hosting the landmark summit, which provided a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Among the key Nigerian dignitaries present were:
- Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
- Engr. Faruk Yabo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy
- Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
- Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)
- Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director, NigComSat
The ITU summit concluded with a renewed global commitment to strengthening submarine cable resilience, ensuring digital connectivity remains uninterrupted despite external threats.
