The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have issued a stern warning to construction firms and other stakeholders over the rising cases of fibre-optic cable damage during road construction and civil works across the country.
The two agencies said the growing incidents of avoidable fibre cuts caused by negligence would no longer be tolerated, stressing that offenders risk prosecution because such actions constitute a criminal offence.
In a joint statement, the NCC and NSCDC described fibre-optic cables as critical national assets that power Nigeria’s digital economy, enable seamless communication, support emergency services, connect businesses, and facilitate government operations. They warned that the destruction of the infrastructure—whether through negligence, lack of coordination, or wilful acts—poses a direct threat to national security, economic stability, and public safety.
The agencies noted that under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunication fibre infrastructure has been 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,” the statement said.
They further warned that individuals, construction companies, or government contractors responsible for damaging fibre-optic infrastructure would face prosecution and sanctions under existing laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
The NCC and NSCDC emphasised that future damage to fibre infrastructure caused by excavation, road construction, or any civil engineering activity 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 ensure full compliance by conducting pre-construction verification of fibre routes, collaborating with the NCC, telecom operators and NSCDC, adhering to approved excavation and right-of-way guidelines, and promptly reporting accidental damage for quick response and mitigation.
Members of the public were also encouraged to report any act of 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 toll-free number 622.
The statement was jointly signed by Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs Department, NCC, and ACC Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer, NSCDC.
