Globacom has partnered with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, alongside other stakeholders, to host the 2025 International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja.
The telecommunications company disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the summit aims to drive innovation, collaboration, and concrete actions among international stakeholders and experts in the telecommunications sector.
The event was organised in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union and the International Cable Protection Committee, with Globacom serving as a co-sponsor.
Part of the statement read, “Globacom, the sole owner of the Glo 1 submarine cable, joined other global stakeholders in the telecommunications and digital landscape in discussions focused on bolstering the resilience of cable networks for the benefit of consumers.
“The Glo 1 submarine cable, which Globacom deployed in 2010 from Europe to Africa, has lived up to its strategic importance and demonstrated its reliability and resilience over time, particularly during the fibre cuts that impacted West Africa in 2024.
“The cable system’s ability to maintain operations despite disruptions underscores the importance of consistent maintenance strategies and continuous infrastructure upgrades.”
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who declared the two-day summit open, emphasised the significance of submarine cables in supporting modern economies.
According to him, “Submarine cables form the backbone of global digital connectivity, carrying over 95 per cent of international data traffic, linking continents, and enabling the smooth operation of modern economies.
“Yet, despite their significance, these infrastructures remain vulnerable to disruptions—whether from natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, accidental damage, or evolving cyber threats.”
Tijani highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing efforts under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen the security and resilience of digital infrastructure, recognising telecommunications infrastructure as critical national infrastructure.
The Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, stressed the importance of investing in digital infrastructure, given the extensive reliance on submarine cables for global communication.
The Co-Chair of the ITU Advisory Board, Professor Sandra Maximiano, called for measures to prevent cable cuts and bolster network resilience.
She emphasised the need for technical resources such as repair vessels, stockpiles, and spare parts, especially in regions with limited submarine cable infrastructure.
Maximiano further urged regulators to align policy frameworks with resilience demands, advocating policies that guarantee resource availability and promote preventive measures against cable cuts.
