The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have issued a stern warning to construction companies, contractors, government agencies and other stakeholders over the rising incidents of fibre-optic cable damage during roadworks, excavation and other civil engineering activities across the country.
In a joint statement issued on 4th February 2026, both agencies described fibre-optic infrastructure as a critical national asset that powers Nigeria’s digital economy, supports emergency services, enables seamless communication, connects businesses and facilitates government operations. They warned that willful or negligent damage to these networks will no longer be tolerated and that offenders will face prosecution under existing laws.
The NCC and NSCDC noted that under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, fibre-optic systems are classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure. As a result, damage caused by unauthorised digging, poor coordination with network operators or disregard for regulatory protocols now constitutes a criminal offence.
The agencies emphasised that such incidents pose serious threats to national security, economic stability and public safety, and they pledged to pursue strict legal consequences against individuals, firms or contractors found culpable. Prosecution will be pursued under relevant statutes, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
To stem the trend of avoidable fibre cuts, the NCC and NSCDC urged all stakeholders including federal, state and local government agencies, road construction firms, utility service providers and private developers to conduct pre-construction route verification, collaborate with regulators and network operators before and during projects, and adhere to approved excavation and right-of-way management procedures.
Both agencies also called on the public to report accidental or deliberate fibre-optic infrastructure damage promptly to enable rapid response and minimise service disruptions.
