Concerns about rising damage to underground fibre-optic cables have prompted a fresh warning from the Nigerian Communications Commission. The NCC, working alongside the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, said construction firms must now take greater responsibility for preventing avoidable disruption. The agencies released a joint statement stressing that fibre cuts have become too serious to ignore.
They explained that fibre-optic lines power most of Nigeria’s digital systems. These networks support emergency response, business operations, mobile communications, and several government services. Because of this, both agencies described the cables as a vital national asset. They added that repeated cuts no longer seem accidental, especially as many incidents occur during road construction and excavation projects.
A Tougher Stance on Fibre Damage
The NCC said that frequent fibre cuts threaten national security, economic stability, and service reliability. It noted that Nigeria’s 2024 Critical National Information Infrastructure Order now classifies telecommunications fibre as protected national infrastructure. This means any damage caused by unapproved digging or careless construction is seen as a criminal act.
The NSCDC echoed this position. It warned that contractors, individuals, and private developers could face prosecution under laws such as the Cybercrimes Act of 2015. The agencies said they will no longer treat the issue as a minor operational setback. Instead, they will handle future cases as violations with legal consequences.
Why the Warnings have Intensified
Officials said many incidents could have been avoided if construction teams had consulted with telecom operators before beginning work. They urged all levels of government, civil engineering companies, and utility providers to follow established procedures. These include verifying fibre routes, obtaining proper approvals, and keeping communication open with regulators throughout each project.
They advised that any accidental damage should be reported immediately. This helps operators respond faster and reduces the scale of service disruption. The NCC encouraged the public to share information on vandalism or suspicious activity with the nearest NSCDC office.
Although the warning is stern, the agencies said the goal is to protect essential infrastructure, not obstruct development. With Nigeria’s digital economy expanding rapidly, they believe that better collaboration can significantly reduce fibre damage and keep networks running smoothly.
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