A flame retardant polymer composition is provided. The polymer composition includes a polymer resin and a flame retardant package dispersed within the polymer resin. The flame retardant package includes an additive of a polyoxometalate ionic liquid (PIL) and a synergist carrier. In particular, the PIL includes organic cations that produce an acid upon heating. Also, a flame retardant optical fiber cable is provided. The cable includes at least one optical fiber and a polymeric jacket that surrounds the at least one optical fiber. The polymeric jacket includes a polymer resin, a carbon source, an acid source, a polyoxometalate ionic liquid (PIL), and a synergist carrier. In particular, the PIL includes organic cations that produce an acid upon heating.