By Ifeoma Ben, LLM, MBA
In today’s digital economy, fast and reliable internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Yet, many Nigerian cities still struggle with frequent internet disruptions, largely due to damage to fibre cables that run overhead or shallowly underground. As demand for high-speed internet grows, driven by fintech, e-commerce, remote work, and digital services, the question is no longer whether Nigeria needs more broadband, but how best to build a resilient network. One of the most promising solutions is the deployment of underground fibre networks.
The Importance of Underground Fibre
Unlike overhead cables, underground fibre is shielded from weather events, vandalism, and accidental cuts during construction activities. In cities like Lagos, where road works and flooding are frequent, underground fibre significantly reduces the risk of service disruption. Globally, many advanced economies already rely on underground fibre to power their smart cities, support 5G networks, and guarantee reliable broadband for households and businesses. For Nigeria, adopting this approach at scale could transform digital connectivity, particularly in urban areas where internet demand is at its peak.
Opportunities and Challenges
Rolling out underground fibre requires significant investment in trenching, ducts, and urban planning. While it offers long-term reliability, the initial costs are high, and coordination with state governments is critical to avoid repeated road excavations. Recently, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and state governments have been working to harmonise “Right of Way” (RoW) charges; the fees operators pay to lay fibre. Lowering and standardising these fees across states would encourage more telecom operators to invest in durable underground networks.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
The legal industry plays a crucial role in this transformation. Lawyers advise telecom operators on negotiating RoW permits, drafting infrastructure-sharing agreements, and ensuring compliance with environmental and urban planning regulations. They also assist governments in structuring policies that balance investor incentives with consumer protection. Also, as Nigeria aligns with its National Broadband Plan 2020–2025, legal experts are essential in interpreting regulatory guidelines, handling disputes, and ensuring that underground fibre projects respect both public and private property rights.
Conclusion
Underground fibre is not just about faster internet; it is about building the resilient backbone for Nigeria’s digital economy. With better coordination between regulators, state governments, operators, and legal professionals, Nigeria can reduce the cost of broadband roll-out, ensure more reliable connectivity, and create a future-ready digital infrastructure. Ultimately, the transition to underground fibre networks is an investment in stability, innovation, and growth; a step that will shape how Nigerians live, work, and do business in the years ahead.
