The Cross River State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intervened in the destruction of MTN Nigeria’s fiber optic cables during ongoing construction activities in Calabar, reaffirming that telecommunications facilities are protected as Critical National Assets and Infrastructure.

The incident reportedly occurred along the Murtala Mohammed Highway near the Calabar International Stadium, where underground communication cables belonging to MTN were accidentally excavated during road works.

In response to the development, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, CC Chima Okarazu, convened a strategic meeting at the Command Headquarters involving representatives of MTN Nigeria and Nasir Construction Company Ltd to address the matter and prevent future occurrences.

Speaking during the engagement, Commandant Okarazu stressed the importance of the “Call Before You Dig” policy, describing it as an essential operational guideline for all construction companies handling excavation projects across the state.

He warned that damage to communication infrastructure goes beyond financial loss, noting that such actions could disrupt national communication systems, economic activities and public safety.

According to him, while infrastructural development remains important to the growth of Cross River State, contractors must ensure that development projects do not compromise critical national infrastructure.

The Commandant further stated that the directive of the NSCDC Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, places strong emphasis on proactive protection of national assets through collaboration with relevant stakeholders before excavation activities commence.

During deliberations, Nasir Construction Company Ltd admitted that its equipment accidentally affected the cables, although the company maintained that there were no visible indicators identifying the underground installations.

However, MTN Nigeria disputed claims that it had been adequately engaged during the initial planning and stakeholder consultation stages of the project.

Following extensive discussions, the parties reached several resolutions aimed at ensuring accountability and preventing future damage.

Nasir Construction Company Ltd agreed to undertake the complete restoration and reinstallation of all affected fiber optic cables after the completion of its civil engineering works.

Both parties also adopted a joint operational framework requiring the physical presence of telecommunications representatives at excavation sites to help identify underground cable routes and other sensitive installations before digging begins.

To ensure strict compliance with the resolutions reached, Commandant Okarazu directed the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department of the Corps to closely monitor activities at the project site until all damaged facilities are fully restored.

He also advised contractors operating within Cross River State to work closely with the NSCDC and relevant utility providers before embarking on excavation projects in order to avoid legal liabilities and prevent avoidable destruction of vital national infrastructure.