UN, Global Cable Protection Body Approve Roadmap To Strengthen Undersea Internet Infrastructure

UN, Global Cable Protection Body Approve Roadmap to Strengthen Undersea Internet Infrastructure The United Nations International Telecommunication Union ITU and the International Cable Protection Committee ICPC have approved a global roadmap aimed at strengthening the protection of undersea telecommunications cables and improving the resilience of the world’s digital connectivity infrastructure. The initiative seeks to address growing concerns over disruptions to submarine cable networks, which carry a significant portion of global internet traffic and support essential digital services across countries. Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, welcomed the development, describing it as an important step toward securing the infrastructure that supports modern communication and economic activities. The minister’s reaction came as the Nigerian Communications Commission NCC reported fibre cable cuts that disrupted data services in parts of Lagos and Abuja, highlighting the vulnerability of telecommunications networks to physical damage. Undersea cables are critical to Nigeria’s internet ecosystem, connecting the country to global networks and enabling broadband services, cloud platforms, financial transactions and other digital operations. The newly approved roadmap is expected to encourage stronger cooperation among governments, telecom operators, cable owners and other stakeholders to improve monitoring, maintenance and rapid response measures when cable failures occur. Experts say protecting submarine cables has become increasingly important as countries expand their digital economies and rely more heavily on internet-based services.For Nigeria, the move aligns with ongoing efforts to improve broadband access, strengthen digital infrastructure and ensure more reliable connectivity for businesses, government institutions and citizens. Stakeholders are expected to continue discussions on implementing measures that will reduce disruptions and safeguard critical communication links connecting Nigeria and other countries to the global digital network.