NCC, Telcos, NSCDC Step Up Joint Effort to Protect Fibre Optic Cables »

The Federal Government of Nigeria has cautioned excavation, road construction, or any civil engineering workers against causing damage to fibre optic cables, and related digital infrastructure in the country’s digital ecosystem.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said such construction or engineering workers henceforth, should conduct thier activities with due consultation or collaboration with Mobile Network Operators’ (MNOs) and relevant regulators, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and NSCDC.

Afolabi Babawale, Public Relations Officer (PRO) at NSCDC, in a statement Sunday, February 1, 2026, in Abuja, FCT, emphasised the strategic importance of protecting the West African country’s fibre optic cables and other Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).

It us recalled that President Ahmed Tinubu, in 2024, had signed the Act into law that designated telecoms infrastructure as critical national assets that should be safeguarded.

Babawale said the avoidable negligence and damage of fibre cables, especially during road constructions and other related civil works would no longer be excused.

The NSCDC image maker further stated that the act of vandalism of communications infrastructure across Nigeria is a crime that attracts prosecution.

Citing the country’s Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention Act 2015 that criminalised such negligence, Babawale noted: “Under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunication fibre infrastructure is classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure.

“Consequently, any damage resulting from unauthorised digging, construction activities, or failure to collaborate with relevant authorities to prevent damage during construction constitutes a criminal offence.”

He equally said the destruction of these fibre optic cables, either through negligence, lack of coordination or willful actions, poses a direct threat to national security, economic stability and public safety.

According to him, future damage to fibre optic infrastructure, caused by excavation, road construction or any civil engineering activity without due consultation or collaboration with network operators and relevant regulators would attract strict legal consequences.

The statement further noted: “Federal, State and Local Government agencies, road construction companies, utility service providers and private developers are to ensure full compliance by conducting pre-construction verification of fibre routes.

“Collaborating with the NCC, telecoms operators and NSCDC before and during construction; adhering to approved guidelines for excavation and right-of-way management will enable rapid response and mitigation.”

Babawale said: “The public is encouraged to report any act of fibre optic infrastructure sabotage or damage to the nearest NSCDC Office or email- protect@ncc.gov.ng, cipu@nscdc.gov.ng or call 622 tollfree.”