Telecoms: Nigeria advocates collective, multilateral approach to protect undersea cables in W’Africa

*Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission opines the country is seeking a coordinated and multilateral approach by the West African sub-region to protect shared telecoms infrastructure, and diversify connectivity for uninterruptible connections in the ecosystem

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Against the backdrop of the recent undersea cable cuts that challenged Internet connectivity in several countries, especially in the West African region, Nigeria is advocating a coordinated and multilateral approach by the sub-region to protect shared telecommunications infrastructure, and diversify connectivity to ensure uninterruptible connections.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), noted this in the submission contained in a statement delivered at the 21st West Africa Telecommunications Regulatory Assembly (WATRA) Annual General Meeting (AGM).

ConsumerConnect reports the Commission stated the event held March 19-22, 2024, in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Dr. Maida, represented at the WATRA AGM by Nnenna Ukoha, Deputy Director of Public Affairs at NCC, said that the recent submarine cable cuts that resulted in nationwide outages on multiple networks in 12 African countries had raised the urgent need for the sub-region to establish a mechanism.

According to him, such a mechanism will protect itself from damage to submarine infrastructure and its attendant impact on the digital ecosystem in sub-region.

Maida, justifying his call for a collective approach in the sub-region, also referenced a report by Cloudflare, an Information Technology (IT) service management firm, which indicated that about six countries, including four West African countries, were still suffering from the recent outages caused by the submarine cable cuts.

Secure telecoms infrastructure facilitates efficient communication, connectivity -EVC/CEO

Maida further stated: “Securing telecoms infrastructure is paramount to fostering Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and enhancing investor confidence in the West African sub-region. “The reliability and resilience of telecommunications networks are crucial factors that investors consider when evaluating regional opportunities.”

The EVC/CEO of the Commission asserted: “By ensuring the security of these vital assets, we can attract more investment, spur economic growth, and enhance our competitiveness on the global stage.

“A secure telecoms infrastructure not only facilitates efficient communication and connectivity but also signals a commitment to safeguarding critical assets essential for business operations.”

The NCC Chief also stated: “This assurance can significantly boost investor confidence and create a conducive environment for sustainable economic development.

“The impact of events like cable cuts highlights the need for a coordinated, multilateral approach to protecting shared infrastructure across our member nations.”

The WATRA Working Group on Infrastructure

Maida, in his address in Sierra Leone, therefore, proposed “the urgent need to set up a framework for joint monitoring, risk mitigation, and emergency response procedures for the submarine cables that pass through the sub-region.

“Further to this, we recommend that the WATRA Working Group on Infrastructure expand its mandate to spearhead the development of a comprehensive strategy to safeguard the subregion’s telecommunications networks and associated infrastructure, thereby proactively bolstering resilience through improved disaster response protocols to better insulate ourselves from future disruptions.”

He equally highlighted the goals of the Working Group would be to strengthen sub-regional infrastructure resilience, promote the diversification of the sub-region’s connectivity, conduct regular capacity assessments, as well as facilitate the designation of telecommunications infrastructure as critical national infrastructure in member countries.

The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly was established in 2002 as a common platform for national telecommunications regulatory authorities in 16-member states to promote the adoption of regulations that stimulate investment in telecommunications infrastructure to deliver more affordable, accessible, faster and secure communication services to consumers.

Stakeholders’ topical discussions at WATRA AGM

At the 21st WATRA Annual General Meeting, the NCC disclosed the industry stakeholders discussed issues pertaining to accessible and affordable telecoms services in the sub-region.

These include improved consumer protection, Quality of Service (QoS), roaming and conflict resolution for consumers.

A major highlight of the AGM was the reelection of Nigeria’s Engr. Yusuf Aliyu Aboki, as Executive Secretary, for a second term in a unanimous vote by the member countries.

The Commission said Dr. Maida commended Engr. Aboki for his firm, inclusive and visionary leadership, which saw the successful delivery of WATRA’s 2022—2025 Strategic Plan.

He noted that Nigeria and indeed, the sub-region are proud of the milestones the WATRA Executive Secretary has achieved during his first tenure.

The NCC Executive Vice-Chairman as well urged the WATRA Executive Secretary to build on the achievements of his first tenure, through stronger partnerships and deeper collaboration while advancing the interests of the sub-regional body.

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