The Managing Director of the Edo Information and Communications Technology Agency (EdoICTA), Mr. Eghosa Urhoghide, has called for stronger collaboration among governments, telecommunications operators, regulators, and host communities to significantly reduce damage to Nigeria’s critical fibre-optic infrastructure.
Urhoghide made the appeal on Monday in Benin during a session on Technical Standards and Infrastructure Resilience at the Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) 2026 Forum, where industry leaders examined practical ways to strengthen the nation’s broadband infrastructure.
He stressed that sustainable broadband expansion depends on deliberate investment in infrastructure that meets approved technical standards. “If you are going to invest in infrastructure, invest properly so it is sustainable,” he said, warning that poor deployment standards continue to undermine progress in broadband development.
According to the EdoICTA boss, frequent fibre cuts remain a major challenge that disrupts internet services and slows the pace of broadband expansion. He noted that these incidents could be substantially reduced through improved coordination among all stakeholders.
Drawing on Edo State’s experience, Urhoghide explained that the state has established a coordination mechanism that ensures telecommunications operators are informed before and during road construction projects. This approach allows underground fibre infrastructure to be identified and protected in advance, thereby minimising accidental damage.
He emphasised the importance of continuous collaboration among ministries of works, road maintenance agencies, ICT institutions, and telecom operators in safeguarding critical digital assets. Urhoghide also highlighted the need for fibre cables to be laid at approved depths and in full compliance with established engineering standards, noting that substandard installations leave networks vulnerable to repeated damage during civil works.
Investing in resilient infrastructure from the outset, he argued, is far more cost-effective than repeatedly repairing damaged networks and is essential for the long-term sustainability of broadband systems.
The EdoICTA Managing Director further urged regulators to strengthen enforcement of technical standards while fostering greater cooperation across the telecommunications ecosystem. He maintained that achieving Nigeria’s broadband targets will require not only expanding fibre networks but also protecting existing investments through better planning, industry collaboration, and strict adherence to standards.
Urhoghide linked Edo’s approach to the digital transformation agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration, with EdoICTA driving initiatives aimed at improving digital connectivity and strengthening critical ICT infrastructure across the state.
