The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have warned against fiber-optic cable damage during road construction and related civil works across the country, as the rising incidents of avoidable fiber cuts resulting from negligence will no longer be excused, noting that offenders risk prosecution as the act constitutes a crime.
In a joint statement by Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha and Babawale Afolabi, spokespersons for NCC and NSCDC, they stressed that fiber optic cables are critical national assets that power Nigeria’s digital economy, enable seamless communication, support emergency services, connect businesses, and facilitate government operations. They said their destruction, whether through negligence, lack of coordination, or willful actions, poses a direct threat to national security, economic stability, and public safety.
According to the organizations, “Under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunication fiber infrastructure is 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 offense.”
They warned that individuals, construction companies, or government contractors who damage fiber optic infrastructure would be made to face prosecution and applicable sanctions as provided under existing laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
The NCC and NSCDC therefore issue a categorical warning that “future damage to fiber optic infrastructure caused by excavation, road construction, or any civil engineering activity conducted without due consultation or collaboration with network operators and relevant regulators will attract strict legal consequences.”
They called on federal, state, and local government agencies; road construction companies; utility service providers; and private developers to ensure full compliance by conducting pre‑construction verification of fiber routes; collaborating with the NCC, telecom operators, and NSCDC before and during construction; adhering to approved guidelines for excavation and right‑of‑way management; and reporting any accidental damage immediately to enable rapid response and mitigation.
