The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has raised an urgent alarm over a diesel supply crisis that threatens to shut down telecom services nationwide.
Strike Disrupts Fuel Supply to Base Stations
ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the ongoing strike by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, a branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, has critically impacted diesel supply to telecom base stations.
“This strike, which stems from the persistent harassment of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police officers in Lagos State, has effectively halted all truck loading operations and fuel movements,” Emoekpere stated.
He explained that many critical telecom sites are running low on fuel, and if the situation persists, it could escalate into a full-blown network blackout.
Potential Nationwide Network Disruption
The telecom industry heavily relies on diesel-powered generators to maintain operations, especially in areas with unstable electricity supply. The shortage could lead to widespread mobile and internet outages, affecting businesses, emergency response systems, and daily communication.
“This is not just a telecom issue—it is a national emergency that could cripple economic activities and compromise public safety,” Emoekpere stressed.
Call for Government Intervention
ATCON has urged the governors of Lagos and Ogun states to facilitate the immediate release of diesel from depots to telecom operators to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
The association also called on security agencies and petroleum unions to resolve the crisis swiftly, warning that prolonged fuel disruptions could have severe economic and social consequences for Nigeria’s connectivity and stability.
Diesel Shortage May Cause Nationwide Telecom Shutdown, ATCON Warns
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has raised an urgent alarm over a diesel supply crisis that threatens to shut down telecom services nationwide.
Strike Disrupts Fuel Supply to Base Stations
ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the ongoing strike by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, a branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, has critically impacted diesel supply to telecom base stations.
“This strike, which stems from the persistent harassment of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police officers in Lagos State, has effectively halted all truck loading operations and fuel movements,” Emoekpere stated.
He explained that many critical telecom sites are running low on fuel, and if the situation persists, it could escalate into a full-blown network blackout.
Potential Nationwide Network Disruption
The telecom industry heavily relies on diesel-powered generators to maintain operations, especially in areas with unstable electricity supply. The shortage could lead to widespread mobile and internet outages, affecting businesses, emergency response systems, and daily communication.
“This is not just a telecom issue—it is a national emergency that could cripple economic activities and compromise public safety,” Emoekpere stressed.
Call for Government Intervention
ATCON has urged the governors of Lagos and Ogun states to facilitate the immediate release of diesel from depots to telecom operators to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
The association also called on security agencies and petroleum unions to resolve the crisis swiftly, warning that prolonged fuel disruptions could have severe economic and social consequences for Nigeria’s connectivity and stability.
