By Chinenye Anuforo
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has warned of a potential nationwide communications blackout, following a diesel supply blockade that is threatening the operation of 16,000 telecommunications sites.
In a press release issued yesterday and signed by the ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, the group explained that members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) blocked access to diesel loading depots in Kaduna, Lagos, and Koko, Delta State, thus creating artificial scarcity. This action has reportedly halted the distribution of diesel to thousands of sites managed by IHS Towers, a key ALTON member.
The dispute is said to have originated from allegations by IHS Towers of diesel misappropriation against two NOGASA member companies. ALTON, while not directly interfering in the dispute, expressed deep concern over the wider implications for national infrastructure and public safety.
The affected sites are critical for powering mobile and internet services for millions of Nigerians. They also support essential functions such as banking transactions, hospital communications, emergency response systems, and national security operations. ALTON emphasized that any sustained disruption would severely undermine these vital services.
The association called on the leadership of NUPENG and NOGASA to immediately intervene and restore access to the supply locations. It urged all parties to seek a resolution through constructive dialogue and legal processes rather than actions that endanger the entire industry.
ALTON also reminded all stakeholders that telecommunications infrastructure has been legally designated as a Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).
The deliberate disruption of these assets is considered a serious threat to national security and economic stability, carrying with it strict legal consequences.
To avert the impending crisis, ALTON made an urgent appeal to relevant government bodies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to intervene and prevent the looming communications blackout.
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