The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have issued a strong warning to construction firms, government contractors, and other stakeholders over the increasing damage to fibre-optic cables during road construction and related civil works across the country.
The two agencies said the growing incidence of avoidable fibre cuts, largely caused by negligence and poor coordination, will no longer be tolerated, stressing that offenders risk prosecution as such acts constitute criminal offences under Nigerian law.
They explained that fibre-optic cables are critical national assets that drive Nigeria’s digital economy, enable seamless communication, support emergency services, connect businesses, and facilitate government operations. According to the agencies, any disruption to this infrastructure poses a serious threat to national security, economic stability, and public safety.
Citing the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, the NCC and NSCDC noted that telecommunications fibre infrastructure has been officially classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure. As a result, damage arising from unauthorised excavation, construction activities, or failure to engage relevant authorities before commencing work now amounts to a criminal offence.
They further warned that individuals, construction companies, and government contractors found responsible for damaging fibre-optic infrastructure will face prosecution and applicable sanctions under existing laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The NCC and NSCDC therefore issued a categorical warning that any future damage to fibre-optic infrastructure caused by road construction, excavation, or other civil engineering activities carried out without due consultation with network operators and regulators will attract strict legal consequences.
The agencies called on federal, state, and local government authorities, road construction firms, utility service providers, and private developers to ensure full compliance by verifying fibre routes before construction, collaborating with the NCC, telecom operators, and NSCDC during project execution, adhering strictly to approved excavation and right-of-way guidelines, and promptly reporting any accidental damage for swift response and mitigation.
Members of the public were also encouraged to report any suspected sabotage or damage to fibre-optic infrastructure to the nearest NSCDC office, via email at protect@ncc.gov.ng or cipu@nscdc.gov.ng, or by calling the 622 toll-free line.