NCC and NSCDC Issue Stern Warning to Construction Firms Over Fiber Optic Cable Damage
NCC and NSCDC Issue Stern Warning to Construction Firms Over Fiber Optic Cable Damage
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have jointly issued a strong warning to construction companies, contractors, and all stakeholders involved in civil works across Nigeria.
The agencies are cracking down on the increasing and often preventable damage to vital fiber optic cables that are crucial for the nation’s digital infrastructure.
Instances of fiber cuts, attributed to negligence, poor coordination, or unauthorized excavation, have become a growing concern.
The NCC and NSCDC have made it clear that such actions will no longer be tolerated and will be treated as criminal offenses, with offenders facing prosecution.
These fiber optic cables are described as critical national assets, forming the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting emergency services, enabling seamless communication for businesses, and facilitating government operations.
Damage to this infrastructure poses a significant threat to national security, economic stability, and public safety.
Under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunications fiber infrastructure is explicitly classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure.
Consequently, any damage resulting from unauthorized digging, construction, or a failure to coordinate with relevant authorities during civil works is now a criminal offense.
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The NCC and NSCDC have stated that individuals, construction firms, and government contractors found liable for damaging this infrastructure will be prosecuted and face sanctions under existing laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
The agencies are calling for strict adherence to established guidelines. This includes conducting thorough pre-construction verification of fiber routes, collaborating with the NCC, telecom operators, and the NSCDC before and during construction, following approved excavation and right-of-way management procedures, and promptly reporting any accidental damage to allow for immediate mitigation efforts.
The public is also urged to report any observed damage or sabotage of fiber optic infrastructure to the nearest NSCDC office, through dedicated email addresses (protect@ncc.gov.ng or cipu@nscdc.gov.ng), or by calling the NCC’s toll-free line at 622.
