The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have issued a stern warning to construction firms and contractors over a rising number of fibre-optic cable damages during roadworks and civil engineering projects nationwide.
In a joint statement over the weekend, the agencies stressed that fibre-optic infrastructure is a critical national asset and cautioned that negligence resulting in its damage will no longer be tolerated.
According to the new policy, any future damage to fibre-optic cables caused by road construction, excavation, or other civil engineering activities carried out without proper consultation with network operators and regulators will attract strict legal consequences, including prosecution under laws such as the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
The agencies urged all stakeholders to strictly follow established guidelines, conduct thorough pre-construction fibre route checks, and coordinate closely with the NCC, telecom operators, and NSCDC. Contractors are expected to adhere to approved excavation protocols and right-of-way procedures at all times.
They also emphasized the need to report any accidental fibre damage immediately to minimize service disruptions and called on the public to notify the nearest NSCDC office of any suspected acts of sabotage or intentional damage.
Safiya Muhammed Bello
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