By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have issued a strong warning to construction firms, government contractors, utility providers and other stakeholders over the rising incidence of fibre-optic cable damage during road construction and other civil works across the country, declaring that such acts will no longer be treated as mere accidents but as criminal offences punishable under the law.
The two agencies expressed concern that the increasing number of avoidable fibre cuts, largely resulting from negligence, poor coordination and unauthorised excavation, is undermining Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and disrupting essential services nationwide.
In an official signed statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, CSC Afolabi Babawale, the NCC and NSCDC emphasised that fibre-optic cables constitute critical national assets that underpin Nigeria’s digital economy. According to them, the infrastructure powers seamless communication, supports emergency and security services, connects businesses, enables financial transactions, and facilitates the day-to-day operations of government institutions.
They warned that the destruction of fibre infrastructure, whether deliberate or accidental, poses a serious threat to national security, economic stability and public safety.
The agencies explained that under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunication fibre infrastructure is officially classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure. Consequently, any damage arising from unauthorised digging, construction activities, or failure to collaborate with relevant authorities before and during civil works constitutes a criminal offence.
“Under the CNII Order 2024, telecommunication fibre infrastructure is designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure. Any damage resulting from unauthorised excavation, construction activities, or failure to coordinate with relevant authorities to prevent such damage amounts to a criminal offence,” the statement said.
They further noted that offenders, including individuals, construction companies and government contractors, will face prosecution and applicable sanctions in line with existing laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
The NCC and NSCDC therefore issued a categorical warning that future damage to fibre-optic infrastructure caused by excavation, road construction or any civil engineering activity carried out without due consultation and collaboration with network operators and relevant regulators will attract strict legal consequences.
To prevent further incidents, the agencies called on federal, state and local government bodies, road construction companies, utility service providers and private developers to ensure strict compliance with established procedures. These include conducting pre-construction verification of fibre routes, collaborating with the NCC, telecom operators and the NSCDC before and during construction, adhering to approved guidelines on excavation and right-of-way management, and promptly reporting any accidental damage to enable swift response and mitigation.
The public was also urged to remain vigilant and report any act of sabotage or damage to fibre-optic infrastructure to the nearest NSCDC office or through designated channels, including protect@ncc.gov.ng, cipu@nscdc.gov.ng, or the 622 toll-free line.
The agencies reaffirmed their joint commitment to protecting Nigeria’s critical telecommunications infrastructure and ensuring the resilience, reliability and security of the nation’s digital backbone.
