The continent’s biggest mobile network services provider MTN says damage to its fibre infrastructure in Nigeria is impacting negatively on its services.

Road works contributed to 42% of cuts to its network in that country, while 25% of the cuts have been as a result of outright vandalism, according to the company.

“The impact on quality of service is significant particularly in the South East and other towns around the country,” MTN Nigeria said in a statement.

The company, however, says it is engaging stakeholders in the industry to try to prevent more fibre cuts.

“We are in constant dialogue with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), our regulator, and the relevant government and security agencies.

"In addition, MTN has lent its voice to the call for critical infrastructure status for private telecommunication infrastructure which should confer the necessary statutory protection from indiscriminate interference with our facilities. The NCC, Minister and our industry body has backed this call,” MTN Nigeria said.