The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have warned that damage to fibre optic cables during road construction and other civil works will no longer be tolerated, stressing that offenders risk prosecution.
In a joint statement signed by Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs, NCC, and Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, the agencies described fibre-optic cables as critical national assets that power Nigeria’s digital economy, support emergency services, enable business connectivity and facilitate government operations.
They noted that the destruction of fibre infrastructure whether through negligence, poor coordination or wilful acts poses a direct threat 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 is classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure. As a result, any damage arising from unauthorised excavation, construction activities or failure to engage relevant authorities constitutes a criminal offence.
According to the agencies, individuals, construction firms and government contractors responsible for damaging fibre optic infrastructure will be prosecuted and sanctioned in line with existing laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
“The NCC and NSCDC 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 and collaboration with network operators and relevant regulators will attract strict legal consequences,” the statement said.
They urged federal, state and local government agencies, road construction companies, utility providers and private developers to comply fully by verifying fibre routes before construction, collaborating with the NCC, telecom operators and the NSCDC before and during projects, adhering to approved excavation and right-of-way guidelines, and promptly reporting any accidental damage to enable rapid response and mitigation.
