The federal government in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and telecommunications companies, has adopted a framework aimed at increasing investment in new submarine cable systems across nations. The resolution was reached at the ongoing International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja, where stakeholders convened to discuss strategies for strengthening global digital infrastructure.
The summit, which brought together leaders in telecommunications, maritime authorities, and international organisations, unveiled a declaration titled: “The International Advisory Body on Submarine Cable Resilience Declaration.” The advisory body, co-chaired by Nigeria’s minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and Prof. Sandra Maximiano, Chair of Portugal’s National Communications Authority (ANACOM), aims to enhance the resilience of submarine cable networks and improve digital connectivity worldwide.
Speaking at the summit, Dr. Tijani reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to digital transformation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He emphasised the government’s proactive measures in recognising and protecting telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure.
“As a government, we are deeply invested in leveraging digital public infrastructure, promoting open access, and expanding broadband penetration. Connectivity remains a catalyst for economic transformation and inclusion,” Tijani stated.
The advisory body, comprising 40 experts from the public and private sectors, including telecommunications companies and UN agencies, has a two-year mandate to propose actionable policies for improving global submarine cable resilience.
The declaration outlined several critical measures to strengthen submarine cable networks. These include the development of geographically diversified infrastructure through various funding mechanisms, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). The framework also called for enhanced international cooperation to mitigate risks, such as natural disasters and accidental maritime damage, by promoting information sharing and best practices.
To support submarine cable deployment and maintenance, the advisory body urged governments to streamline permit processes, maintain spare cable stockpiles, and develop a robust ecosystem for cable installation and repair. Additionally, it emphasised the need for knowledge-sharing platforms and specialised training programmes to empower nations, particularly developing countries, in managing and protecting submarine cable systems effectively.
ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, stressed the significance of resilience in submarine cables, citing recent disruptions that affected financial institutions and mobile money transactions across Africa.
In March 2024, widespread digital outages occurred due to submarine cable damage near Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Portugal, disrupting operations in banking, stock exchanges, and telecommunications.
Bogdan-Martin commended the Nigerian government for its voluntary contributions to the Advisory Body, emphasising the need for a coordinated approach between public and private sector stakeholders to ensure a stable and robust digital future.
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