Nationwide Telecom Blackout Looms as Diesel Blockade Hits 16,000 Telecom Sites
- ALTON has warned of a possible nationwide communications blackout due to a diesel supply blockade affecting 16,000 telecom sites
- The blockade has disrupted fuel deliveries critical to mobile, internet, banking, emergency, and security services for over 140 million Nigerians
- The telecom association has urged swift intervention by relevant government agencies to prevent a critical crisis
Legit.ng journalist Victor Enengedi has over a decade's experience covering Energy, MSMEs, Technology, Banking and the Economy.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has raised an alarm over a looming nationwide communication breakdown due to a diesel supply disruption affecting about 16,000 telecom sites.
Source: UGC
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 7, and signed by ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, the group revealed that members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) have blocked access to diesel depots in Kaduna, Lagos, and Koko, Delta State.
This blockade has cut off fuel supply to sites operated by IHS Towers, a major ALTON member.
The crisis stems from allegations by IHS Towers accusing two NOGASA-affiliated firms of diverting diesel.
Earlier this year, the sector faced threats of a similar situation in Lagos and Ogun states during an indefinite strike action by Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a group under NUPENG.
ALTON warns of total telecom network collapse
While ALTON has chosen not to get involved in the dispute, it expressed serious concern about the broader impact on national infrastructure.
The statement said:
“Over 16,000 telecom sites managed by IHS, powering key networks like MTN and Airtel, as well as services for banks, hospitals, and security agencies are affected."
These telecom sites are essential for providing mobile and internet connectivity to more than 140 million Nigerians.
ALTON warned that if the disruption of diesel supply to these sites is prolonged, it could lead to a nationwide shutdown of mobile and data services, banking transactions, emergency communications, and critical security operations.
The association urged NUPENG and NOGASA to de-escalate the situation and resume supply operations, advocating peaceful resolution through legal and diplomatic channels.
Source: UGC
ALTON also reminded all parties that telecom infrastructure is officially recognised as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), and any act of sabotage poses a major national security risk, carrying strict penalties.
To prevent a full-scale communications shutdown, ALTON appealed for immediate intervention by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Department of State Services (DSS).
FG moves to end network blackouts
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that the federal government of Nigeria has taken a major step to solve network disruption incidents in Nigeria.
A joint committee on the protection of fibre optic cables in Nigeria has been set up to investigate cable cuts leading to network blackouts.
Announcing the new development, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said that it was a joint move involving the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
Source: Legit.ng
