The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have issued a stern warning to construction firms, contractors and other stakeholders over the rising incidence of fibre-optic cable damage during road construction and civil engineering works nationwide.
In a joint statement released at the weekend, the agencies described fibre-optic infrastructure as a critical national asset, warning that negligence resulting in its damage will no longer be tolerated. They stressed that such actions now constitute criminal offences and would attract prosecution under existing laws.
The NCC and NSCDC noted that fibre-optic cables are central to Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting telecommunications networks, emergency services, commercial activities and government operations. They warned that frequent and avoidable fibre cuts pose serious risks to national security, economic stability and public safety.
The statement recalled that under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunications fibre infrastructure has been classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure. Consequently, any damage arising from unauthorised excavation, construction activities or failure to coordinate with relevant authorities is deemed a criminal act.
They added that individuals, construction companies and government contractors found culpable would face prosecution and appropriate sanctions in line with applicable laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
The agencies cautioned that future incidents linked to road construction, excavation or civil works carried out without proper consultation with network operators and regulators would attract strict legal consequences.
They urged federal, state and local government authorities, road construction companies, utility providers and private developers to comply fully with established guidelines, including pre-construction verification of fibre routes, collaboration with the NCC, telecom operators and the NSCDC before and during construction, and adherence to approved excavation and right-of-way procedures.
The NCC and NSCDC also called for the prompt reporting of any accidental fibre damage to enable swift response and minimise service disruptions, while encouraging members of the public to report acts of sabotage or damage to fibre-optic infrastructure to the nearest NSCDC office or through designated channels.
