NCC and NSCDC Warn Construction Firms Over Fiber-Optic Cable Damage in Nigeria

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have jointly cautioned construction companies against damaging fiber-optic cables during road construction and civil engineering activities across the country. Afolabi Babawale, the National Public Relations Officer at the NCC, highlighted the increasing incidents of fiber optic cable cuts due to negligence.

The NCC and NSCDC emphasized the importance of these cables as critical national assets that power Nigeria's digital economy and enable seamless communication, support emergency services, connect businesses, and facilitate government operations. Damages to fiber optic infrastructure are considered a criminal offense, with potential prosecution and sanctions under existing laws, including the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.

The organizations urged individuals, construction companies, government contractors, and others to comply with guidelines, collaborate with network operators, and report any accidents or damages promptly to ensure rapid response and mitigation.