By Miriam Humbe
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have strongly warned construction companies, contractors, and other stakeholders in the country over the rising incidence of fibre-optic cable damage during road construction and civil engineering activities.
The two agencies issued the warning in a joint statement during the weekend.
They emphasised that fibre-optic infrastructure was a critical national asset and cautioned against negligence leading to its damage which would no longer be tolerated.
The NCC and NSCDC again warned that since such acts now constituted criminal offences under existing laws, offenders would be prosecuted.
NCC and NSCDC described fibre-optic cables as central to Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting communication networks, emergency services, business operations, and government functions.
Both agencies said that under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunication fibre infrastructure had been classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure, and warned that frequent and avoidable fibre cuts pose serious threats to national security, economic stability, and public safety.
The agencies said that as a result, any damage arising from unauthorized excavation, construction activities, or failure to coordinate with relevant authorities constitutes a criminal act.
The NCC and NSCDC therefore warned that individuals, construction firms, or government contractors found culpable would face prosecution and applicable sanctions as provided under laws such as the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
The agencies again, warned 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.
The agencies urged federal, state, and local government authorities, road construction companies, utility providers, and private developers to comply fully with established guidelines.
These guidelines include conducting pre-construction verification of fibre routes, collaborating with the NCC, telecom operators, and NSCDC before and during construction, and adhering to approved excavation and right-of-way procedures.
The NCC and NSCDC therefore demanded that any accidental fibre damage be immediately reported in order to enable swift response and minimisation of service disruptions.
They encouraged the public to report acts of fibre-optic infrastructure sabotage or damage to the nearest NSCDC office or through designated communication channels.
