In a historic move for the country’s digital and telecommunications landscape, Nigeria successfully hosted the inaugural International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja last week. The summit, which focused on the protection and security of subsea cables, was organized by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC). The event gathered key stakeholders from around the world to address the pressing issue of subsea cable security, a critical component of global internet infrastructure.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, expressed his deep pride and appreciation for the trust placed in Nigeria to host such a significant global event. Reflecting on the summit’s importance, Dr. Tijani emphasized, “The significance of the trust placed in us to host an event of this nature is not lost on me, especially in view of the leadership we have shown in driving this very important conversation on the protection of subsea cables, which carry over 90 percent of global internet traffic.”
He further acknowledged the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose leadership and vision continue to propel Nigeria’s progress in the digital space. Dr. Tijani also extended his gratitude to key figures from the ITU, including Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the ITU Secretary-General, and Tomas Lamanauskas, the ITU Deputy Secretary-General, for their leadership and active involvement in the summit.
The summit, which focused on the resilience and protection of subsea cables, brought together telecommunications experts, policymakers, and international organizations to discuss best practices, security measures, and collaborative solutions to ensure the longevity and safety of these critical underwater assets. Subsea cables, which form the backbone of global internet and data traffic, are increasingly vulnerable to physical threats, including natural disasters, cable damage, and even deliberate sabotage. As a result, the protection and resilience of these cables are becoming more urgent in the face of expanding global connectivity.
Dr. Tijani highlighted the contributions of the event’s organizing team, which included the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the ITU. The team worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s success, marking a key moment in Nigeria’s growing influence in global tech discussions.
“This is just the start of an ongoing discourse that will ensure we take active steps to safeguard these critical assets,” Dr. Tijani remarked. “We are committed to working closely with our international partners to strengthen global subsea cable networks and secure the future of digital communication.”
The summit also served as a platform for discussions on the future of telecommunications infrastructure and Nigeria’s role in shaping the global digital economy. In his closing remarks, Dr. Tijani reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to leading efforts to ensure the continued protection of subsea cables, stressing that this event would serve as a foundation for future initiatives aimed at enhancing international cooperation in the digital space.
As the summit concluded, participants expressed optimism that the discussions would lead to meaningful collaborations and policy frameworks that prioritize the security and resilience of global internet infrastructure. The event was widely regarded as a success, not only for its timely focus on a critical issue but also for showcasing Nigeria’s emerging leadership in digital innovation and international cooperation.
For those interested in learning more about the summit and its key takeaways, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy encourages readers to follow the #WeekInReview and #NigerianExcellence hashtags for the latest updates and insights. The summit represents the beginning of an ongoing effort by Nigeria to safeguard the future of digital communications, ensuring a secure and resilient digital economy for all.
