Telecommunications giants are expressing grave concerns regarding potential service interruptions as the construction of the expansive 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway progresses, potentially endangering crucial undersea cables. This project not only aims to connect Lagos directly to Cross River through multiple states but also risks damaging vital international communication links.
In a revelation last Sunday, these companies highlighted the significant risk posed by the ongoing construction activities near the landing sites of several submarine cables that provide critical connectivity between Nigeria and Europe. The affected cables, which include the West Africa Cable System (WACS), MainOne, Glo1, ACE, and NCSCS, are essential for the country's connectivity to the global network.
The construction, managed by Hitech Construction Company Limited, follows approval from the Federal Executive Council earlier in February. The project spans several coastal states, including Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, concluding in Cross River. This massive undertaking has already led to significant property demolitions in Lagos to facilitate rapid development.
Telecom operators, represented by Gbenga Adebayo, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of engagement from the Ministry of Works on necessary environmental impact assessments. The ministry, led by David Umahi, has reportedly failed to include telecom stakeholders in critical discussions, risking the integrity of infrastructure crucial for national and international communication.
This corridor's importance is underscored by its role in facilitating not only national but also international data traffic. The potential for severe disruptions was highlighted by a recent incident in March when a subsea cable cut disrupted broadband services across West Africa, illustrating the high costs and operational impacts of such occurrences.
Telecom leaders are urging caution and proactive dialogue to mitigate risks and are pushing for the designation of telecommunications infrastructure as critical national infrastructure. This recognition is crucial as the sector grapples with other challenges, including vandalism and theft, which further compromise service stability and expansion.
The urgency of these issues is amplified by the economic implications of service disruptions, which can escalate operational costs and deter potential investments in a sector already facing financial strain. The ongoing concerns call for immediate and concerted efforts to ensure infrastructure protection and service continuity amid substantial development projects.
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