Fibre cuts during road works will attract prosecution- NCC, NSCDC declare
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have warned against damage to fibre-optic cables during road construction and other civil works across the country, declaring that rising cases of avoidable fibre cuts due to negligence will no longer be tolerated.
The agencies stressed that offenders risk prosecution, noting that such acts constitute criminal offences under existing laws.
NCC and NSCDC described fibre-optic infrastructure as critical national assets that power Nigeria’s digital economy, enable seamless communication, support emergency services, connect businesses and facilitate government operations. They said damage to the infrastructure—whether through negligence, poor coordination or wilful acts—poses a direct threat to national security, economic stability and public safety.
Citing the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, the agencies noted that telecommunications fibre infrastructure has been classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure.
They explained that any damage arising from unauthorised excavation, construction activities or failure to coordinate with relevant authorities during civil works amounts to a criminal offence.
The agencies warned that individuals, construction firms or government contractors responsible for damaging fibre-optic cables would face prosecution and sanctions under applicable laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
They issued a categorical warning that future damage caused by excavation, road construction or any civil engineering activity carried out without due consultation with network operators and regulators would attract strict legal consequences.
The NCC and NSCDC therefore urged federal, state and local government agencies, road construction companies, utility providers and private developers to comply fully with regulations by verifying fibre routes before construction, collaborating with relevant authorities, adhering to approved excavation guidelines and promptly reporting any accidental damage to enable swift response and mitigation.
