By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Nigeria’s
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has
co-chaired the second physical meeting of the International Telecommunication
Union’s (ITU) International Advisory Body (IAB) on Submarine Cable Resilience
in Porto, Portugal.
The
meeting focused on the critical role of submarine cables, which carry over 99
percent of global internet data, in ensuring secure and reliable digital
connectivity as more sectors of the global economy move online. Participants
discussed strategies to strengthen the resilience of this strategic
infrastructure and reduce potential disruptions.

Recommendations
adopted by the IAB working groups provide a practical roadmap to safeguard the
continuity of global digital connectivity across regions. Dr. Tijani expressed
gratitude to his co-chair, Prof. Sandra Maximiano, and the ANACOM Portugal team
for their organisation of the meeting, as well as to IAB members and
co-executive secretaries Tomas Lamanauskas of ITU and Kent Bressie of the
International Cable Protection Committee for their leadership in advancing the
agenda.
Dr.
Tijani also acknowledged ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin for her
continued support in promoting meaningful connectivity for all.