Stakeholders Calls For Protection Of Fibre Optic Cables In Edo, Vows To Protect Federal Assets












Stakeholders Calls For Protection Of Fibre Optic Cables In Edo, Vows To Protect Federal Assets 



Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin 


Stakeholders in telecom, construction companies and power sector in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have called for the protection of fibre optic cables.


The call was made at Critical National Assets and Information Infrastructures (CNAI) stakeholders meeting on collaboration for the protection of fibre optic cable infrastructure in Edo state.

Speaking, State Commandant, Edo State Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, Benin city, Akintayo Saidi Aina, said their major mandate is the protection of critical of national assets. He said it comes across all assets.

Aina said their focus is to change the mindset of their stakeholders regarding those assets as federal government assets so that they can have a collaborative effort in safeguarding the assets.

He said now they are coming out for the enforcement face after sensiting the people about the dangers of the destruction of fibre optic cables.

He said,"I reiterate my deep and rofound appreciation for your time, support, and cooperation so far especially throughout the enlightenment and education phase of safeguarding and protection of our Critical National Assets ,and Information Infrastructures. 

"I want to declare to all our esteemed Stakeholders that the enlightenment and education phase is over. The Command is now entering a new phase, and that is the phase of enforcement. 

"The enforcement will be conducted in line with the Cybercrimes act (prohibition, prevention, detection, response, investigation and prosecution of Cybercrimes) 2015 and subsequent amendments including the landmark presidential update and ongoing 2025 technology bills. 

"The bill stipulates that destroying, stealing or vandalizing optic fibre cables is categorized as a severe federal offence against Critical National Information Infrastructures (CNII).

Emphasizing on the penalties and sanctions, when reading the relevant Acts, Aina said vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure carries severe legal consequences, stressed that, convicted individuals face up to ten years imprisonment without option of fine.

He buttressed that tampering with critical national information Infrastructures (section 10); covered the wilful disruption, disconnection or destruction of physical assets supplying the country's electronic communications system.

In his address, Controller, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Tajudeen Babatunde, represented at the event when speaking on the Operational Procedure during Road Construction, said the protection of fibre optic infrastructure is a shared responsibility, through partnership, transparency and adherence to established procedures.

Babatunde said they can reduce cable cuts, improve service delivery,  safeguard public investments and support the economic development of Edo state, and Nigeria as a whole. He said the federal ministry of Works remains open to constructive engagement, and will continue to work closely with all vital agencies, and operators to achieve their common aims.
In his Presentation on the Impact of Road Construction on Fibre Optic Cable (FOC), Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Information Communication Technology Agency, Eghosa Orhogide, said a lot fibre optic cables destroy during construction works.

He urged contractors to be careful when carrying out their Road Construction works to avoid damage and destruction of fibre optic cables.

President Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria, Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, said they are very impressed of what is happening in NSCDC Command.

Izuagbe added that, Critical National Assets and Information Infrastructure bill and its implementation is very important to  their industry.

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