Key business operators that relies on use of diesel as alternative energy sources are facing operational challenges following shortage in product deliveries.
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) is one of the operators that has raised an urgent alarm over diesel supply crisis.
The situation is caused by an ongoing strike by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) workers.
“President of the ATCON, Tony Emoekpere, at the weekend said the disruption in supply is affecting telecommunications base stations, thus pushing them to temporarily close down which would in turn threaten millions of mobile internet users.
“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 diesel supply to telecom infrastructure has been severely impacted, leaving critical sites with dangerously low fuel levels.
According to him, if urgent measures are not taken, the situation could escalate into a full-blown network blackout, disrupting essential services including mobile and internet access, business operations, emergency response systems, and daily communications.
ATCON has called on the governors of Lagos and Ogun states to intervene immediately by facilitating the release of diesel from depots to telecom operators to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
“This is not just a telecom issue—it is a national emergency that could cripple economic activities and compromise public safety,” Emoekpere stressed.
The association also appealed to security agencies and petroleum unions to resolve the crisis swiftly to safeguard Nigeria’s connectivity and economic stability.
ATCON emphasised that a prolonged disruption in fuel supply to telecom infrastructure could have far-reaching consequences for both businesses and individuals who rely on stable communication networks for daily operations.