Nigerian Communications Commission, Civil Defence Corps caution construction firms, individuals against fibre optic cable damage
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have warned against fibre-optic cable damage during road construction and related civil works across the country.
Penpushing reports that the two bodies gave the warning in a statement signed by Mrs Nnenna Ukoha (Head, Public Affairs Department) and Babawale Afolabi (National Public Relations Officer) respectively pointing out that the rising incidents of avoidable fibre cuts resulting from negligence will no longer be excused, adding that offenders risk prosecution as the act constitutes a crime.
The organisations stressed that fibre optic cables are critical national assets that power Nigeria’s digital economy, enable seamless communication, support emergency services, connect businesses, and facilitate government operations.
Penpushing further reports that they said their destruction, whether through negligence, lack of coordination, or wilful actions, poses a direct threat to national security, economic stability, and public safety.
‘Under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunication fibre infrastructure is classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure’, the statement read.
‘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’, it stated
Penpushing also reports that the establishments warned that individuals, construction companies, or government contractors who damage fibre 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 statement, therefore, issue a categorical warning that future damage to fibre 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.
Penpushing reports that 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 fibre routes.
The statement emphasized need in collaborating with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) telecom operators and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (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.
‘The public is encouraged to report any act of fibre-optic infrastructure sabotage or damage to the nearest NSCDC Office or email to [email protected], [email protected] or call 622 toll-free’, the statement emphasized
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