The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, have warned against fibre-optic cable damage during road construction and related civil works across the country.
They declared that the rising incidents of avoidable fibre cuts resulting from negligence would no longer be excused, noting that offenders risked prosecution as the act constitutes a crime.
The warning was issued in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Head, Public Affairs Department of NCC, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, and the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi.
NCC and NSCDC stressed that fibre optic cables were critical national assets that powered Nigeria’s digital economy, enabled seamless communication, supported emergency services, connected businesses, and facilitated government operations.
They said their destruction, whether through negligence, lack of coordination, or wilful actions, posed a direct threat to national security, economic stability, and public safety.
According to the organisations, “Under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunication fibre infrastructure is classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure. Consequently, any damage resulting from unauthorized digging, construction activities, or failure to collaborate with relevant authorities to prevent damage during construction constitutes a criminal offence.”
They warned that individuals, construction companies, or government contractors who damaged fibre optic infrastructure would be made to face prosecution and applicable sanctions as provided under 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 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 ensure full compliance by conducting pre‑construction verification of fibre routes; collaborating with the NCC, telecom operators and NSCDC before and during construction; adhering to approved guidelines for excavation and right‑of‑way management; and reporting any accidental damage immediately to enable rapid response and mitigation.
They encouraged the public to report any act of fibre-optic infrastructure sabotage or damage to the nearest NSCDC Office or email to [email protected], [email protected] or call 622 toll-free.
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