The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have issued a stern warning to contractors, construction firms, and government agencies over the persistent damage to fibre-optic cables during road construction and other civil engineering projects nationwide.
The agencies said the growing number of fibre cuts caused by negligence, poor coordination, and unauthorised excavation will no longer be overlooked, stressing that such actions now amount to a criminal offence punishable under Nigerian law.
According to the NCC and NSCDC, fibre-optic cables are strategic national assets that form the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy. They support telecommunications services, internet connectivity, emergency response systems, business operations, and government communications. Any disruption to this infrastructure, they warned, poses serious risks to national security, economic activities, and public safety.
The agencies explained that under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunication fibre infrastructure has been formally classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure. As a result, damage arising from unauthorised digging, road works, construction activities, or failure to properly coordinate with relevant authorities before and during construction is considered a criminal act.
They further noted that individuals, construction companies, and government contractors found responsible for damaging fibre-optic infrastructure will face prosecution and applicable sanctions under existing laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
In a joint warning, the NCC and NSCDC stated that any future fibre damage caused by excavation, road construction, or other civil works carried out without due consultation and collaboration with network operators and regulatory bodies will attract strict legal consequences.
The agencies urged federal, state, and local government institutions, road construction companies, utility service providers, and private developers to comply fully with established procedures. These include verifying fibre routes before commencing construction, engaging the NCC, telecom operators, and NSCDC during project planning and execution, adhering strictly to approved excavation and right-of-way guidelines, and promptly reporting any accidental damage to enable swift response and mitigation.
They also encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any act of sabotage or damage to fibre-optic infrastructure, emphasizing that protecting these facilities is essential to sustaining Nigeria’s digital growth and national development.
