Builders beware: damaging fibre optic cables now carries serious legal risks.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have issued a joint warning to construction firms over rising fibre optic cable damages. The agencies stressed that such cables are critical national assets supporting the digital economy, emergency services, businesses, and government operations.
NCC’s Nnenna Ukoha and NSCDC’s Babawale Afolabi said negligence, unauthorised digging, or failure to coordinate with authorities is a criminal offence under the 2024 CNII Order and the Cybercrimes Act 2015. Offenders risk prosecution.
They urged builders, developers, and government agencies to verify fibre routes, follow right-of-way guidelines, and report accidental damages immediately for quick response.
“Future fibre damage without proper consultation will attract strict legal consequences,” Ukoha warned.
Reports of sabotage can be sent to NSCDC offices or via email at protect@ncc.gov.ng and cipu@nscdc.gov.ng, or the toll-free line 622.
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