Damage to fibre-optic cables now a criminal offence, NCC, NSCDC warn

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have jointly declared that damaging fibre-optic cables is a criminal offence, and offenders risk prosecution.

In a statement issued yesterday, the agencies stated that the persistent damage to this infrastructure during road construction and other civil works will no longer be tolerated. They emphasised that negligence, lack of coordination, or wilful destruction of these telecommunications assets poses severe risks to national development and security.

The regulators described fibre-optic cables as critical national assets, formally classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure under a 2024 Order. They underpin Nigeria’s digital economy, enabling communication, supporting emergency services, facilitating business, and enhancing government services. Any disruption, they warned, threatens national security, economic stability, and public safety.

The statement clarified that any damage from unauthorised excavation or construction without consulting relevant authorities is a criminal act. Culpable individuals, construction firms, government contractors, and utility providers will face prosecution and sanctions under laws including the Cybercrimes Act 2015.

A categorical warning was issued: any future damage from excavation or construction activities conducted without due consultation with network operators and regulators will attract strict legal consequences.

To prevent further damage, the agencies urged all government authorities, construction companies, utility providers, and private developers to:

· Verify fibre routes before construction.

· Collaborate closely with the NCC, telecom operators, and NSCDC during projects.

· Adhere strictly to approved excavation guidelines.

· Promptly report any accidental damage.

The public is also urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected sabotage or damage to the nearest NSCDC office, via the emailed addresses protect@ncc.gov.ng or cipu@nscdc.gov.ng, or through the 622 toll-free line.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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