By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have issued a stern warning to construction firms, government contractors and utility service providers over the increasing incidents of fibre-optic cable damage during road works and other civil engineering activities across the country.
The agencies said the growing cases of avoidable fibre cuts caused by negligence, poor coordination and unauthorized excavation will no longer be tolerated, stressing that offenders risk prosecution as such acts now constitute criminal offences under Nigerian law.
In a joint statement signed by NCC’s Spokesperson, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, and NSCDC’s Spokesperson, ACC Babawale Afolabi, both organisations described fibre-optic cables as critical national assets that power Nigeria’s digital economy, enable seamless communication, support emergency services, connect businesses and facilitate government operations.
They warned that damage to the infrastructure, whether accidental or deliberate, poses serious threats to national security, economic stability and public safety.
According to the statement, under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunications fibre infrastructure has been officially classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure.
“Any damage arising from unauthorized digging, construction activities, or failure to properly engage relevant authorities and network operators before excavation constitutes a criminal offence,” the agencies stated.
The NCC and NSCDC emphasized that individuals, construction companies and government contractors found culpable would face prosecution and sanctions in line with existing laws, including provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
They issued a categorical warning that future incidents of fibre damage resulting from excavation, road construction or related activities carried out without proper consultation with telecom operators and regulators would attract strict legal consequences.
The agencies therefore called on federal, state and local government agencies, road construction firms, utility service providers and private developers to ensure full compliance with established procedures.
This includes conducting pre-construction verification of fibre routes, collaborating with the NCC, telecom operators and the NSCDC before and during projects, adhering to approved excavation and right-of-way guidelines, and promptly reporting any accidental damage for immediate mitigation.
Members of the public were also encouraged to report any acts of fibre-optic infrastructure sabotage or damage to the nearest NSCDC office, email protect@ncc.gov.ng or cipu@nscdc.gov.ng, or call the toll-free line 622.
