Nigeria: the operation of submarine cables soon to be regulated
March 28th 2023
Around the world, players in the telecoms sector are increasing investments in the construction of submarine cables, necessary to meet the growing demand for connectivity. However, the anarchic installation of these infrastructures can be detrimental to maritime navigation.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said on Sunday March 26 that it was preparing a regulatory framework for submarine cable operators in Nigeria. This initiative is carried out in partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
“ It should be noted that the laying of marine cables has been ongoing for over twenty years in Nigerian waters. Our goal is to ensure safe navigation in Nigerian waters with all these submarine cables laid ,” explained Bashir Jamoh (pictured, right), Director General of NIMASA.
This initiative is in accordance with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), we learn. It comes as we are witnessing the acceleration of investments in submarine cables around the continent in a context where telecom service providers need additional capacity to meet the growing demand for connectivity.
Currently, Nigeria is connected to five international submarine cables, with a capacity of over 40 terabits per second. These cables are SAT-3/WASC (South Atlantic 3/West Africa Submarine Cable), GLO-1 (Globacom-1), ACE (Africa Coast to Europe) and WACS (West Africa Cable System). Google’s Equiano and Meta’s 2Africa cables are expected to land on Nigerian shores soon.
It is important to remember that the new regulations could slow down investments in the construction of submarine cables in Nigeria. This would have a negative effect on the quality and availability of telecom services in the West African country.
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