By Usman Aliyu
Mr Eghosa Urhoghide, Managing Director, Edo Information and Communications Technology Agency (EdoICTA), has advocated stronger collaboration among governments, telecoms operators, regulators and host communities to reduce damage to Nigeria’s fibre-optic infrastructure.
Urhoghide said this during a session on Technical Standards and Infrastructure Resilience at the Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) 2026 Forum.
Industry leaders discussed practical measures for strengthening broadband infrastructure across the country.
The EdoICTA boss said the collaboration would support sustainable broadband expansion.
According to him, poor deployment standards can continue to undermine broadband expansion.
He stressed that sustainable broadband development required deliberate investment in infrastructure built to approved technical standards.
“If you are going to invest in infrastructure, invest properly so it is sustainable,” Urhoghide said.
He said frequent fibre cuts, which continued to disrupt internet services and slow broadband expansion, could be significantly reduced through stronger coordination among the stakeholders.
Drawing from Edo’s experience, Urhoghide said the state established a coordination mechanism that kept telecommunications operators informed before and during road construction projects.
This, he said, enabled underground fibre infrastructure to be identified and protected before work begins.
He said the approach helped minimise accidental fibre cuts and demonstrated the importance of continuous collaboration among ministries responsible for works, road maintenance agencies, ICT institutions and telecommunications operators in protecting critical digital infrastructure.
Urhoghide also emphasised the need for fibre cables to be laid at approved depths and in compliance with established engineering standards.
He warned that substandard installation exposes infrastructure to repeated damage during civil works.
He said investing in resilient infrastructure from the outset was more cost-effective than repeatedly repairing damaged networks and would help ensure the long-term sustainability of broadband infrastructure.
The EdoICTA managing director further urged regulators to strengthen compliance with technical standards while encouraging greater cooperation across the telecommunications ecosystem.
According to him, achieving Nigeria’s broadband targets will depend not only on expanding fibre infrastructure but also on protecting existing investments through better planning, industry collaboration and strict adherence to technical standards.
Urhoghide said Edo’s approach reflected the digital transformation agenda of Gov. Monday Okpebholo’s administration, with EdoICTA driving initiatives.
The initiatives, he said, aimed at improving digital connectivity and strengthening critical ICT infrastructure across the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AUO/KUA
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Edited by Uche Anunne