Implementation of Telecommunication Corridor on Infrastructure Roll out (Rail, Road, Power Lines and Inland Waterways) to Fast Track Broadband Penetration and Nation-Wide Surveillance
Authors: Lawal Lasisi , Gidari-Wudil Tasiu Sa’Ad , Adedeji Francis 
Published: February 2025

Insecurity and terrorism in Nigeria have led to widespread vandalization of critical telecommunication and power infrastructure, hindering broadband penetration and compromising national surveillance systems. Road preparations for upgrade or constructions at local, state and national level causes damages to optic-fibre cables buried underground especially as these critical infrastructure mostly lack geospatial information including outright theft for ornaments. The cuts and damages to optic-fibre cables arising from case studies causes performance degradation to telecommunication’s quality of service (QoS) even after repair if there is ferrule misalignment, contaminated face of the fibre core causing dispersion losses or scattering losses or micro bending losses and thus high dB loss. These challenges amplify the digital divide, particularly in underserved and rural areas, and highlight the urgent need for robust solutions. The paper examines the benefits of geospatially designed telecommunications corridor with infrastructure roll-outs, such as roads, railways, power lines, and inland waterways dredging among others in addressing insecurity and vandalization of critical telecommunication infrastructure. Quantitative Situational analysis of broadband and optic-fibre infrastructure was presented including vulnerabilities to theft and vandalism, lack of geospatial data, and regulatory gaps especially as it concerns enforcement of some telecommunications policies. Key policies in Nigeria’s National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP). Nigeria&apos;s National Broadband Plan (2020–2025) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Co-location & Infrastructure Sharing (C/IS) guidelines are evaluated for mitigating these challenges. The findings shows the potential of telecommunication corridors alongside infrastructural roll-out to protect fragile optic-fibre cables, improved quality of services (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE) without incessant down-time during road constructions at local and state government levels, facilitation of cost-effective infrastructure sharing & co-location to accelerate broadband penetration and roll-out plan performance of operators with National Metropolitan Cable (optic) Network Licenses. These corridors will enhance connectivity, reduce operational costs, and improve nationwide surveillance capabilities by adopting an integrated &quot;dig-once&quot; approach and leveraging a technology mix comprising terrestrial, wireless, and satellite-based systems. The study concludes that coordinated efforts among stakeholders, including government ministries, regulatory bodies, and private operators, are essential to achieving long-term digital connectivity, development and transformation while strengthening Nigeria&apos;s security framework. Implementation of these recommendations will not only provide robust and resilient ICT infrastructure but promote sustainable socio-economic growth and digital transformation.