The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has raised concerns over an impending nationwide telecom shutdown due to a diesel supply crisis.
The shortage, caused by an ongoing strike by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, a branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, has severely impacted fuel supply to telecom base stations.
In a statement on Sunday, ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere, warned that critical telecom infrastructure is running dangerously low on diesel, putting millions of mobile and internet users at risk of service disruptions.
“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 cautioned that if urgent measures are not taken, Nigeria could face a network blackout that would disrupt essential services, including mobile communication, internet access, business operations, and emergency response systems.
ATCON has urged the governors of Lagos and Ogun states to facilitate 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 called on security agencies and petroleum unions to resolve the crisis swiftly to protect Nigeria’s connectivity and economic stability.
A prolonged disruption, ATCON warned, could have widespread consequences for businesses and individuals relying on stable communication networks for daily activities.
