The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) has joined global forces to push for submarine cable resilience across West African countries, Nigeria inclusive.

This is coming on the heels of the appointment of WATRA's Executive Secretary, Mr. Aliyu Aboki, as a member of the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience, which is co-chaired by Nigeria's Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Communications Authority of Portugal (ANACOM), Prof. Sandra Maximiano.

The advisory body, established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), aims to bolster the resilience of submarine telecommunication cables that form the backbone of global digital connectivity.

Submarine cables, which carry the majority of the world's internet traffic, enable essential global services, including commerce, financial transactions, government operations, digital health, and education. Enhancing their resilience is critical for ensuring continuity in a digitally connected world.

Aboki's inclusion in the high-level International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience comes at a critical time when disruptions to digital connectivity in West Africa have highlighted the urgent need to safeguard vital telecommunications infrastructure.

As the Executive Secretary of WATRA, Aboki brings a wealth of experience and a distinctive regional perspective to the Advisory Body's mission. His appointment provides an opportunity for the region to contribute meaningfully to shaping global best practices for the deployment, maintenance, and protection of submarine cables, ensuring a stable and resilient digital ecosystem for millions across the continent.