The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) along with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has issued a strong alert to construction businesses, contractors, and relevant parties regarding the rise in harm to fibre-optic cables amid roadwork and civil engineering projects throughout the nation.
The two agencies indicated that the rising number of preventable fibre disruptions, primarily due to carelessness, inadequate collaboration, or unauthorized digging will no longer be accepted. They emphasized that violators may face legal action since these actions are now considered criminal offenses.
As per the NCC and NSCDC, fibre-optic cables are vital national resources that support Nigeria’s digital economy, bolster emergency services, allow for uninterrupted communication, connect enterprises, and aid governmental functions. They warned that any harm to this infrastructure poses a significant risk to national security, economic health, and public well-being.
The bodies, through the announcement was co-signed by Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, Public Affairs Department Head at NCC, and ACC Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer at NSCDC, noted that, under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunications fibre infrastructure has been recognised as Critical National Information Infrastructure. Thus, any damage resulting from unauthorised excavation, construction efforts, or lack of coordination with appropriate authorities during civil engineering tasks is categorised as a criminal act.
They also warned that individuals, construction companies, and governmental contractors found responsible for damaging fibre-optic infrastructure will face legal prosecution and penalties according to current laws, which includes the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
“The NCC and NSCDC firmly declare that any future harm to fibre-optic infrastructure resulting from excavation, roadwork, or any civil engineering project conducted without proper consultation or collaboration with network operators and relevant regulatory bodies will result in severe legal repercussions,” the announcement stated.
The agencies urged federal, state, and local governmental organizations; road construction firms; utility providers; and private developers to thoroughly adhere to established protocols. This encompasses executing pre-construction assessments of fibre pathways, working with the NCC, telecom companies, and NSCDC ahead of and during construction, following sanctioned excavation and right-of-way management protocols, and rapidly reporting any accidental damage to facilitate quick response actions.
Members of the public were also invited to report instances of damage or sabotage to fibre-optic infrastructure to the nearest NSCDC office, through email at [email protected] or [email protected], or by calling the toll-free line 622.