By Mercy Peter
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are collaborating to safeguard national infrastructure-fibre-optic cables.
This is as they warned construction firms, contractors, and property developers against destruction of fibre-optic cables during road construction.
NCC and NSCDC said there will be consequences going forward.
The agencies warned that damage to such infrastructure poses serious risks to national security and economic stability.
They explained that the fibre-optic infrastructure remains the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting telecommunications, emergency response systems, government operations, and business connectivity.
According to the regulators, the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024 classifies telecommunication fibre networks as Critical National Information Infrastructure.
Therefore, any damage arising from unauthorised excavation, poor coordination, or failure to engage relevant authorities before construction now constitutes a criminal offence.
The agencies stressed that individuals, construction companies, and government contractors found culpable will be prosecuted under applicable laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, and subjected to stiff sanctions.
The agencies stated further that all future fibre cuts resulting from road construction, excavation, or related civil works carried out without due consultation with network operators and regulators will attract severe legal consequences.
They called on federal, state, and local government authorities, construction companies, utility providers, and private developers to adopt strict compliance measures. These include pre-construction verification of fibre routes, continuous collaboration with the NCC, telecom operators, and the NSCDC, adherence to approved right-of-way and excavation guidelines, and immediate reporting of any accidental damage to enable rapid response and mitigation.
They also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any act of fibre-optic infrastructure damage or sabotage to the nearest NSCDC office, via email at protect@ncc.gov.ng or cipu@nscdc.gov.ng, or by calling the 622 toll-free line.
