The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have issued a stern warning to construction companies, contractors, and other stakeholders over the rising incidents of fibre-optic cable damage across the country, stressing that offenders will face prosecution.
The warning was contained in a joint statement signed by Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs Department of the NCC, and ACC Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, who described telecommunications fibre infrastructure as critical national assets that support Nigeria’s digital economy, emergency services, businesses, and government operations.
They noted that frequent fibre cuts, often caused by negligence, poor coordination, and unauthorized excavation, have continued to disrupt communication services nationwide, leading to economic losses and public inconvenience.
According to the statement, under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunication fibre facilities are classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure, making their damage a criminal offence.
“Any damage resulting from unauthorized digging, construction activities, or failure to collaborate with relevant authorities to prevent damage during construction constitutes a criminal offence,” the agencies stated.
They added that offenders, including individuals, construction firms, and government contractors, would be prosecuted in line with existing laws, particularly the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
The NCC and NSCDC warned that future damage to fibre-optic infrastructure caused by road construction, excavation, or civil engineering activities without due consultation would attract strict legal consequences.
The agencies called on federal, state, and local government authorities, road construction firms, utility providers, and private developers to comply with approved guidelines by verifying fibre routes before construction, collaborating with relevant regulators and network operators, and promptly reporting accidental damage.
They also urged stakeholders to adhere strictly to right-of-way management regulations and excavation standards to minimise service disruptions.
Members of the public were encouraged to report cases of fibre-optic infrastructure vandalism or damage to the nearest NSCDC office or through designated communication channels.
The agencies reaffirmed their commitment to protecting critical digital infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted communication services nationwide.
