Nigeria, in collaboration with the ITU, is advocating for joint efforts to address global submarine cable disruptions, which threaten digital economy growth. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin noted the importance of submarine cables for global connectivity and digital innovation. The summit in Abuja aims to unite stakeholders to develop resilient strategies against frequent cable disruptions.
The Nigerian Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, alongside the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), has advocated for collective action to tackle global disruptions to submarine cables. This call to action was made during the opening of the ITU International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit held in Abuja. Both entities emphasized that disruptions could hinder the digital economy’s growth worldwide.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted that submarine cable connectivity is crucial, accounting for 95% of the digital economy’s infrastructure. She noted the digital economy’s significant contribution to global GDP, expected to reach $16.5 trillion by 2028 as the number of internet users surged from 1 billion in 2005 to 5.5 billion today.
Bogdan-Martin stated that approximately 200 underwater cable disruptions occur annually, and repairing them is both complicated and time-consuming. These disruptions have direct ramifications on the global economic landscape. She emphasized that the interplay among technology, policy, and business in establishing submarine cables requires a comprehensive understanding, making diverse stakeholder participation critical in addressing these challenges.
The co-chair of the ITU Advisory Board, Prof. Sandra Maximiano, affirmed the board’s significance in submarine cable business and economic health amid recent cable disruptions in West Africa that affected millions. She pointed out that several systems connecting Nigeria also link to Portugal, stressing the need for investment in multiple cables for better resilience.
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Dr. Bosun Tijani, stated that submarine cable disruptions are a pressing global issue, impacting various sectors, including finance and education. Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria is focused on strengthening digital infrastructure and establishing policies that enhance connectivity and innovation for economic progress.
The two-day summit has gathered over 300 delegates from 194 ITU-member nations, including notable figures from various governmental and regulatory bodies in Nigeria. The outcomes are expected to shape policies and strategies for global cooperation in enhancing submarine cable resilience and connectivity.
The ITU Summit in Abuja serves as a pivotal platform addressing significant global concerns regarding submarine cable disruptions. With input from various stakeholders, the discussions emphasize the critical role of submarine cables in the digital economy and the necessity for collective solutions moving forward. Ensuring the resilience of this infrastructure is essential for global economic stability and growth.
Original Source: nannews.ng
