Nigeria’s telecommunications industry experienced a significant uptick in network disruptions throughout May 2025, with over 30 major outages reported across the country. These disruptions, impacting voice, data, and USSD services, were primarily attributed to fiber optic cable cuts, power failures, and infrastructure vandalism.
🔍 Key Operators Affected
- 9mobile reported 31 major outages, the highest among Nigerian telecom operators. Approximately 70% of these incidents were linked to fiber cuts caused by roadworks or vandalism. The operator also experienced the longest service restoration times.
- MTN Nigeria faced 25 major outages during the same period. Users reported significant degradation in internet speeds, with some resorting to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to maintain connectivity. The company has not provided an official statement regarding the cause of these disruptions.
- Airtel and Globacom also experienced outages, though to a lesser extent. Airtel had 13 outages, while Globacom reported 20.
⚠️ Notable Incidents
- May 21, 2025: Glo services were disrupted for over 8 hours in five states due to equipment theft.
- April 29 to May 14, 2025: 9mobile experienced a prolonged 15-day power outage across parts of Kebbi and Sokoto states.
- May 5, 2025: MTN Nigeria subscribers nationwide reported a complete shutdown of internet services, with no official explanation provided by the company.
🛠️ Infrastructure Challenges and Responses
The surge in outages highlights ongoing infrastructure challenges within Nigeria’s telecom sector. In response, the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy have established a joint committee to address issues related to fiber optic cable damage during road construction and maintenance. The committee aims to develop strategies to minimize disruptions caused by such incidents and improve coordination between relevant stakeholders.
📉 Impact on Subscribers
The frequent and prolonged outages have significantly affected subscribers, leading to frustration and loss of trust in telecom services. Many users have taken to social media platforms to express their dissatisfaction, with some reporting that the disruptions have impacted their businesses and daily activities.
🔮 Looking Ahead
As Nigeria continues to advance its digital economy, ensuring the reliability and resilience of telecom infrastructure is paramount. The establishment of the joint committee is a positive step towards addressing the underlying issues contributing to network disruptions. However, sustained efforts from both the public and private sectors will be necessary to achieve lasting improvements and restore consumer confidence in telecom services.
