By Miriam Humbe
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Security Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) in a press release, recently issued a strong worded warning to road construction companies and contractors against destroying fibre optic cables.
The tone of the press statement was stern, indicative that the NCC and NSCDC weren’t joking, but fed up with dealing with avoidable optic cables destruction, leading to interruption in the quality of network service to millions of consumers.
Humsi Media Online understands that Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) is everybody’s business and responsibility.
Here’s A Full Text Of The Warning:
“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 as the rising incidents of avoidable fibre cuts resulting from negligence will no longer be excused, noting that offenders risk prosecution as the act constitutes a crime.
“NCC and NSCDC stressed that fibre optic cables are critical national assets that power Nigeria’s digital economy, enable seamless communication, support emergency services, connect businesses, and facilitate government operations. They said their destruction, whether through negligence, lack of coordination, or wilful actions, poses 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 damage 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 issue 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.
“The public is encouraged 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.”
Signed:
Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, Head, Public Affairs Department,
NCC
ACC Babawale Afolabi,
National Public Relations Officer,
NSCDC
February 4, 2026
Fiber Optic Cables As The Backbone Of Connectivity:
These fiber optic cables are the backbone of connectivity. Here’s how. Fiber optic cables are the fundamental, high-speed backbone of global internet and telecommunications, carrying over 95% of international data traffic via light pulses through glass strands. They connect data centers, continents, and cities, providing superior bandwidth, low latency, and long-distance transmission capabilities compared to traditional copper cables.
Why Is It Necessary To Protect Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure?
Protecting Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure, including telecommunications, power grids, and financial systems—is vital to prevent catastrophic disruptions to national security, economic stability, and public safety. Securing these assets prevents massive financial losses from cyberattacks, stops vandalism, ensures reliable daily connectivity, and safeguards essential services.
Nigeria’s Guiding Laws On Critical National Information infrastructure Protection:
Nigeria’s critical national information infrastructure (CNII) is primarily guided by the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, 2024, enacted under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024). These laws empower the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to designate and protect vital ICT assets against destruction, sabotage, and unauthorized access.
How Nations Protect Their Critical National Information Infrastructure:
Countries protect their Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) by implementing comprehensive, risk-based frameworks that blend legislation, public-private partnerships, and proactive defense mechanisms. Key strategies include identifying critical assets, conducting regular risk assessments, enforcing sector-specific security standards, promoting information sharing on threats, and enhancing cyber resilience through training and incident response
What Nigeria will lose for not protecting its Critical National Information Infrastructure:
Failure to protect Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) threatens severe economic, security, and operational consequences, including over $500 million in annual cybercrime losses. Key risks include paralyzed, unstable connectivity, massive revenue losses from oil/gas theft, severe power grid disruptions, and compromised national security.
How protection of Critical National Information infrastructure will boost Nigeria’s economy:
Protecting Nigeria’s critical national infrastructure, including energy pipelines, power grids, and telecommunication networks is crucial for boosting the economy by preventing billions in losses from vandalism and theft, boosting investor confidence, and ensuring uninterrupted productivity.
Safeguarding these assets, such as oil and gas infrastructure and fiber optic cables, directly increases foreign exchange earnings, lowers operational costs for businesses, and stabilizes the power supply, which is necessary for economic growth and industrialization.
Enhancing Digital Economy and Communication:
With the formal classification of telecommunications as Critical National Information Infrastructure, protection against fiber cuts and theft ensures that internet services and digital financial transactions remain reliable. A secure digital landscape attracts foreign investment and supports the growth of technology-driven sectors.
The NCC’s syndicated message to telecommunications consumers must be seriously adhered to by all…”Community Action! Protect telecom infrastructure. Report suspicious activity to protect ncc.gov.ng or dial 622. Together, we can help.”
