By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have jointly cautioned construction firms, contractors, and other stakeholders to avoid damaging fibre-optic cables during road works and civil engineering projects, stressing that negligence or willful destruction will attract strict legal consequences.
In an official signed statement, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs, NCC, and Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Babawale Afolabi, NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, underscored that fibre-optic infrastructure is a critical national asset powering Nigeria’s digital economy, enabling seamless communication, supporting emergency services, connecting businesses, and facilitating government operations.
They warned that the rising incidents of avoidable fibre cuts resulting from construction negligence pose direct threats to national security, economic stability, and public safety.
“Under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunication fibre infrastructure is classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure. Any damage resulting from unauthorized digging, construction activities, or failure to collaborate with relevant authorities constitutes a criminal offence,” the statement said.
The organisations emphasised that violators, including individuals, construction companies, and government contractors, would face prosecution and sanctions under applicable laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
The NCC and NSCDC issued a categorical warning that “future damage to fibre-optic infrastructure caused by excavation, road construction, or any civil engineering activity conducted without due consultation or collaboration with network operators and relevant regulators will attract strict legal consequences.”
They called on federal, state, and local government agencies; road construction companies; utility service providers; and private developers to conduct pre-construction verification of fibre routes, collaborate with the NCC, telecom operators, and NSCDC, adhere to approved excavation and right-of-way guidelines, and report accidental damage promptly to enable rapid mitigation.
Members of the public are urged to report any act of fibre-optic infrastructure sabotage or damage to the nearest NSCDC office, via email at protect@ncc.gov.ng, cipu@nscdc.gov.ng, or through the toll-free line 622.
This joint caution highlights the critical role of fibre-optic networks in sustaining Nigeria’s digital growth and the government’s resolve to safeguard vital communication infrastructure against negligence and sabotage.
