Abuja: The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) have jointly called for enhanced collaboration to ensure the protection of fibre optic infrastructure amidst road construction and excavation activities. This appeal was made during a stakeholders’ workshop focused on safeguarding fibre optic infrastructure during road construction projects in Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Air Vice-Marshal Effiom Ewa, Director of Critical National Standards and Infrastructure Protection at ONSA, emphasized that safeguarding fibre optic infrastructure is a collective national duty involving government bodies, private organizations, contractors, telecommunications operators, and citizens. Ewa, representing the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, highlighted that damage to fibre infrastructure extends beyond network disruption and can significantly impact governance, economic productivity, public services, and daily life in Nigeria.
Ewa articulated that fibre optic infrastructure is recognized as Critical National Information Infrastructure, and any damage resulting from negligence, interference, or acts leading to asset vulnerability constitutes a legal offense in Nigeria. He underscored the necessity for strict adherence to established protocols and guidelines during construction and maintenance activities. As Nigeria continues to invest in transportation, utility, and digital infrastructure, Ewa stressed the importance of coordinated and mutually reinforcing sector development. The stakeholders’ engagement aims to foster collaboration and establish a durable framework for protecting critical infrastructure.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of NCC, pointed out the necessity of reconciling Nigeria’s road construction initiatives with the protection of digital infrastructure. He noted that while roads physically connect communities, fibre networks digitally link them to information, services, markets, and opportunities. Maida emphasized that communications infrastructure is vital for banking, government services, education, healthcare, commerce, security, and emergency communications. A fibre cut can significantly affect more than just the telecom operator whose cable was damaged.
Maida recalled a major incident in February 2024, where fibre cuts, including those from road construction, caused nationwide disruptions for a major telecom operator, affecting millions of Nigerians’ ability to communicate and leading to congestion on alternative networks. He reported over 5,000 fibre cut incidents in the first half of 2026 alone, attributing many to inadequate coordination among stakeholders prior to construction or excavation.
Highlighting the need for early coordination, Maida mentioned the establishment of a standing committee by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, aimed at developing practical coordination mechanisms before, during, and after road construction. The committee, recently expanded to include ONSA and National Security Council officials, aims to provide additional strategic oversight.
Maida explained that the workshop is a direct result of the committee’s efforts, intended to help construction companies, engineers, contractors, and site supervisors understand their responsibilities around critical telecom infrastructure. He stressed that telecom operators must adhere to standards, respond promptly to construction notifications, and relocate infrastructure within stipulated timelines while urging operators to provide accurate information and contractors to verify underground infrastructure before excavation.
He concluded by urging active participation to develop practical steps for implementation across construction sites nationwide, asserting that preventing fibre cuts is crucial for maintaining essential services. Stakeholders from various government ministries, telecommunication operators, construction companies, regulators, security agencies, and other relevant organizations participated in the workshop.