The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have issued a strong warning against the increasing incidents of fibre-optic cable damage during road construction and other civil works across the country, declaring that avoidable fibre cuts arising from negligence will no longer be tolerated.
The agencies said offenders risk prosecution, stressing that damage to fibre-optic infrastructure constitutes a criminal offence under existing laws.
In a joint statement, the NCC and NSCDC emphasised that fibre-optic cables are critical national assets that underpin Nigeria’s digital economy. They noted that the infrastructure enables seamless communication, supports emergency services, connects businesses, and facilitates government operations. According to them, the destruction of fibre optic cables whether through negligence, poor coordination, or deliberate actions 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. As a result, any damage arising from unauthorised excavation, construction activities, or failure to engage relevant authorities during civil works amounts to a criminal offence.
They further warned that individuals, construction firms, and government contractors found culpable of damaging fibre-optic infrastructure would be prosecuted and sanctioned in line with applicable laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
“The NCC and NSCDC hereby issue 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 or collaboration with network operators and relevant regulators will attract strict legal consequences,” the statement said.
The agencies urged federal, state, and local government authorities, road construction companies, utility service providers, and private developers to comply fully 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.
By Kehinde Ibrahim, Lagos
