NCC, NSCDC: Damage a Fiber Cable and Face Jail
By Patience Ikpeme
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have issued a strong warning to road contractors and construction companies across the country.
They said that the constant cutting of underground fibre-optic cables during road construction will no longer be tolerated, and anyone caught doing so out of carelessness will be arrested and charged to court.
In a joint statement released yesterday, both organizations made it clear that damaging these cables is a serious crime. They explained that these cables are what make the internet, phone calls, and banking services work smoothly in Nigeria. When a contractor digs up a road and cuts a cable without checking first, it shuts down businesses and makes it hard for people to reach emergency services.
The government has now officially named these telecommunication cables as “Critical National Information Infrastructure” under a new 2024 law. This means the cables are now protected just like oil pipelines or power stations. The statement explained that because of this new law, any damage caused by unauthorized digging or failing to work with the right authorities is a criminal offense.
“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 unauthorized digging, construction activities, or failure to collaborate with relevant authorities to prevent damage during construction constitutes a criminal offence,” the two organisations said.
The NCC and NSCDC said they are ready to use the law to punish anyone who ignores these rules. They mentioned that individuals, construction firms, or even government contractors who destroy these cables will face trial under the Cybercrimes Act of 2015.
The two agencies sent a direct message to anyone planning to dig or build on any road in Nigeria. They said, “future damage to fibre optic infrastructure caused by excavation, road construction, or any civil engineering activity conducted without due consultation or collaboration with network operators and relevant regulators will attract strict legal consequences.”
To avoid trouble, the authorities advised federal, state, and local governments, as well as private developers, to always check where cables are buried before they start any work. They asked contractors to talk to the NCC and telecom companies first to get the map of the cables. They also said that if a cable is accidentally cut, it must be reported immediately so it can be fixed quickly.
The public has also been asked to help protect these cables. If you see anyone intentionally destroying or digging up these cables, you are encouraged to report it to the nearest NSCDC office. You can also send an email to protect@ncc.gov.ng or call the NCC toll-free number, 622, to report the damage.
