The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ekiti State, Mr Toma Enya, has warned construction companies and contractors to stop damaging fibre-optic cables and other public facilities across the state.
Enya gave the warning on Tuesday during a news briefing at the NSCDC headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, stressing that the destruction of fibre-optic cables would no longer be tolerated due to its negative impact on communication services and internet connectivity.
According to him, the command is set to begin immediate assessments of ongoing construction projects along fibre-optic routes to ensure contractors comply with safety standards.
He described fibre-optic cables as Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, noting that they play a key role in Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Enya explained that any damage caused through authorised or unauthorised excavation, construction work, or failure to properly coordinate with relevant authorities is a criminal offence under the Critical National Infrastructure Order 2024.
He urged both public and private stakeholders in the construction industry to follow laid-down regulations and work closely with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
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The commandant also called on telecom operators to partner with the NSCDC to protect national infrastructure from unnecessary destruction, ensuring residents continue to enjoy reliable communication services.
Enya appealed to members of the public to promptly report any damage to fibre-optic cables to the nearest NSCDC office.
He added that the corps would not hesitate to prosecute any contractor, individual, or business owner caught vandalising public property, describing such acts as economic sabotage.
