Ibadan: The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has partnered with several construction companies to address the destruction of fibre-optic cables and telecommunication infrastructure during construction projects. This initiative is aimed at safeguarding essential communication services in the region.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the partnership was formalized at a roundtable organized by the NSCDC in Ibadan, involving various stakeholders. Mr. Augustine Padonu, the state’s NSCDC Commandant, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that construction activities have been causing significant disruptions to telecommunication services, affecting both local communities and the nation at large. Fibre-optic cables are a crucial part of Nigeria’s communication network, and their damage poses serious challenges.
Mr. Padonu highlighted that this engagement aligns with directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Audi. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the NSCDC, construction companies, and other stakeholders to protect these infrastructures due to their benefits and security implications. Construction companies are now required to notify relevant parties before beginning any excavation work to prevent unintentional damage to the cables.
DCC Sunday Aderibigbe, Head of the NSCDC’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department, linked the vandalism of fibre-optic cables to disruptions in telecommunication services and potential national security vulnerabilities. Aderibigbe reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to working with the Oyo State Government, telecommunications operators, and other stakeholders to protect these vital facilities.
Representatives from MTN and Airtel, Mr. Abatan Olumuyiwa and Mrs. Florence Susan, respectively, underscored the need for community sensitization on the importance of communication and the importance of reporting any vandalism activities. Similarly, Mr. Adebowale Adeniyi from the Nigerian Communications Commission reported that 9,218 fibre-optic cables were destroyed between January and June 2025, highlighting the need for vigilance.
Mr. Wande Aribisala, Regional Security Coordinator of ATC Infrastructure Company, committed to identifying the locations of telecommunications cables to prevent damage during construction. Mrs. Jelilat Adepoju from the Oyo State Ministry of Works and Transportation noted that construction companies are increasingly aware of the consequences of damaging fibre-optic cables.
The roundtable also saw participation from various security agencies and traditional leaders in the state, signifying a collective effort to address this critical issue.