Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s telecom regulator and civil defence agency issued a stern warning to construction firms over the rising destruction of fibre-optic cables during roadworks and civil engineering projects.
In a joint statement released Sunday, the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps say they will no longer tolerate preventable fibre cuts caused by poor planning, negligence or failure to coordinate with telecom operators.
NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale says fibre-optic infrastructure forms the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting internet access, banking systems, emergency services, corporate operations and government functions.
“Any disruption threatens economic activity, public welfare and national security,” the statement says.
The agencies remind contractors that telecom fibre networks are now designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure under the 2024 presidential order. As a result, unauthorised excavation or careless construction work that damages fibre cables constitute a serious criminal offence.
They cite provisions of the Cybercrimes Act 2015, warning that developers, contractors, utility firms and public agencies responsible for damaging fibre infrastructure will face prosecution.
“Excuses of ignorance or oversight will no longer be acceptable,” the agencies say, adding that future violations linked to trenching, road construction or building projects without proper stakeholder engagement will attract swift legal action.
The NCC and NSCDC urge federal, state and local governments, as well as private developers, to take preventive steps. These include verifying underground fibre routes before construction, complying with right-of-way regulations and maintaining constant coordination with telecom operators and security agencies.
They also call for immediate reporting of accidental damage to enable rapid repairs and minimise service disruption, stressing that protecting fibre infrastructure is a shared national responsibility.
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