By Miriam Humbe
The message comes again and again…”Security Alert! Protect our telecom infrastructure! Report vandalism incidents to protect ncc.gov.ng or dial 622. Together, let’s secure Nigeria’s future!
Security Alert! Protect our telecom infrastructure!”
This is not a joke. IT IS SERIOUS!
Recently, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) 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.
The NCC has used every opportunity to pass this message succinctly to all members of the society including students and Chief Executives.
The Nigerian Communications Commission has intensified advocacy on the protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) with the aim of maintaining steady quality of service nationwide.
For a better understanding, the CNII is a comprehensive approach to securing and protecting the telecommunications sector, a vital infrastructure from a wide range of threats, including cyberattacks and natural disasters.
The Critical Infrastructure Protection policy, a comprehensive security framework is therefore, crucial. It is designed to safeguard essential systems, networks, and assets vital to a nation’s security, economic stability, and public safety.
The Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, 2024 enacted under the Cybercrimes Act targets specific threats to assets like telecom towers, data centers, and fibre optic cables. It aims to secure Nigeria’s digital economy and services.
To highlight the importance Nigeria places on the telecommunications sector and Critical National Information Infrastructure, the Federal government issued the Order officially designating ICT systems in various sectors of the Nigerian economy as CNII.
The federal government therefore established legal frameworks aimed at Protecting Critical National Information Infrastructure. Laws such as Nigeria’s 2024 Order, designating vital systems (power, finance, telecom) for special security, establishing oversight bodies like Office of the National Security Adviser, (ONSA) to develop protection plans (CNIIPP) and share threat intelligence via networks (TISN), and imposing penalties for interference, are all aimed at ensuring continuity for national security, economy, and public safety.
Key methods include audits, incident response, promoting resilience, and fostering collaboration between government, operators, and private entities to prevent unauthorized access, data theft, and service disruptions.
The Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2025 (SOCI Act 2025) amendments has introduced stricter cyber security and risk management obligations for 11 critical sectors – ensuring the nation’s economy, security, and public health are protected from evolving threats. Non-compliance could expose your organisation to regulatory penalties and heightened cyber threats.
It is necessary to ensure Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP). This is a comprehensive security framework designed to safeguard essential systems, networks, and assets vital to a nation’s security, economic stability, and public safety
Section 37 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution guarantees the fundamental right to privacy, stating that the privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations, and telegraphic communications is protected, safeguarding individuals from unlawful intrusion and ensuring confidentiality. Exceptions however, exist for national security or lawful investigations under strict conditions. It is a cornerstone for data protection and personal liberty, preventing arbitrary searches and ensuring private communications remain private.
Since Critical National Information Infrastructure is likened to a gold mine, how can we all protect it for the good of all?
To protect the Critical National Infrastructure, all hands must be on deck. Individuals must stop acts of vandalism. Private sector owners and operators, other Federal, State, and Local government agencies must collaborate to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure.
