The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have issued a stern warning to construction companies, contractors, and other stakeholders over the rising incidence of fibre-optic cable damage, declaring that offenders now risk prosecution as such acts constitute criminal offences.
In a joint statement issued yesterday and signed by Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Head, Public Affairs Department, NCC, and ACC Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, the agencies said the persistent damage to fibre infrastructure during road construction and other civil works would no longer be tolerated, stressing that negligence, lack of coordination, or wilful destruction of telecommunications assets poses grave risks to national development and security.
The regulators described fibre-optic cables as critical national assets that underpin Nigeria’s digital economy, enable seamless communication, support emergency response services, facilitate business operations, and enhance government service delivery.
According to them, any disruption to these vital networks threatens national security, economic stability, and public safety.
They noted that under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunications fibre infrastructure has been formally classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure.
Consequently, any damage resulting from unauthorised excavation, construction activities, or failure to engage relevant authorities during project execution constitutes a criminal offence.
The statement further warned that individuals, construction firms, government contractors, and utility service providers found culpable of damaging fibre-optic infrastructure would face prosecution and applicable sanctions in line with existing laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
The NCC and NSCDC issued a categorical warning that any future damage to fibre-optic facilities arising from excavation, road construction, or civil engineering activities conducted without due consultation and collaboration with network operators and regulators would attract strict legal consequences.
To stem the tide of fibre cuts, the agencies urged federal, state, and local government authorities, road construction firms, utility providers, and private developers to conduct pre-construction verification of fibre routes, collaborate closely with the NCC, telecom operators, and NSCDC before and during project execution, adhere strictly to approved excavation and right-of-way management guidelines, and promptly report any accidental damage for swift mitigation.
They also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected acts of sabotage or damage to fibre-optic infrastructure to the nearest NSCDC office or via protect@ncc.gov.ng, cipu@nscdc.gov.ng, or the 622 toll-free line.
